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Egawa S, Ader J, Shen Q, Nakagawa S, Fujimoto Y, Fujii S, Masuda K, Shirota A, Ota M, Yoshino Y, Amai H, Miyao S, Nakamoto H, Kuroda Y, Doyle K, Grobois L, Vrosgou A, Carmona JC, Velazquez A, Ghoshal S, Roh D, Agarwal S, Park S, Claassen J. Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Stroke Predicted by Clinicians to have no Chance of Meaningful Recovery: A Japanese Cohort Study. Neurocrit Care 2023; 38:733-740. [PMID: 36450972 PMCID: PMC10227183 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-022-01644-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the natural history of comatose patients with brain injury, as in many countries most of these patients die in the context of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies (WLSTs). The accuracy of predicting recovery that is used to guide goals-of-care decisions is uncertain. We examined long-term outcomes of patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke predicted by experienced clinicians to have no chance of meaningful recovery in Japan, where WLST in patients with isolated neurological disease is uncommon. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage between January 2018 and December 2020 to a neurocritical care unit at Toda Medical Group Asaka Medical Center in Saitama, Japan. We screened for patients who were predicted by the attending physician on postinjury day 1-4 to have no chance of meaningful recovery. Primary outcome measures were disposition at hospital discharge and the ability to follow commands and functional outcomes measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E), which was assessed 6 months after injury. RESULTS From 860 screened patients, we identified 40 patients (14 with acute ischemic stroke, 19 with intracerebral hemorrhage, and 7 with subarachnoid hemorrhage) who were predicted to have no chance of meaningful recovery. Median age was 77 years (interquartile range 64-85), 53% (n = 21) were women, and 80% (n = 32) had no functional deficits prior to hospitalization. Six months after injury, 17 patients were dead, 14 lived in a long-term care hospital, 3 lived at home, 2 lived in a rehabilitation center, and 2 lived in a nursing home. Three patients reliably followed commands, two were in a vegetative state (GOS-E 2), four fully depended on others and required constant assistance (GOS-E 3), one could be left alone independently for 8 h per day but remained dependent (GOS-E 4), and one was independent and able to return to work-like activities (GOS-E 5). CONCLUSIONS In the absence of WLST, almost half of the patients predicted shortly after the injury to have no chance of meaningful recovery were dead 6 months after the injury. A small minority of patients had good functional recovery, highlighting the need for more accurate neurological prognostication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Egawa
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Neurointensive Care, Toda Medical Group Asaka Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stroke and Epilepsy Center, Toda Medical Group Asaka Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Jeremy Ader
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Qi Shen
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Shun Nakagawa
- Department of Neurointensive Care, Toda Medical Group Asaka Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Fujimoto
- Department of Neurointensive Care, Toda Medical Group Asaka Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shuichi Fujii
- Department of Neurointensive Care, Toda Medical Group Asaka Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kenta Masuda
- Department of Rehabilitation, Toda Medical Group Asaka Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akira Shirota
- Department of Rehabilitation, Toda Medical Group Asaka Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ota
- Department of Rehabilitation, Toda Medical Group Asaka Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yuji Yoshino
- Department of Rehabilitation, Toda Medical Group Asaka Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hitomi Amai
- Department of Social Work, Toda Medical Group Asaka Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Satoru Miyao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stroke and Epilepsy Center, Toda Medical Group Asaka Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Nakamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stroke and Epilepsy Center, Toda Medical Group Asaka Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kuroda
- Emergency Medical Center, Kagawa University Hospital, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Kevin Doyle
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Lauren Grobois
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Athina Vrosgou
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Jerina C Carmona
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Angela Velazquez
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Shivani Ghoshal
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - David Roh
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Sachin Agarwal
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Soojin Park
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jan Claassen
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, MHB 8 Center, Room 300, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Advance Care Planning in Asia: A Systematic Narrative Review of Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Experience. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; 22:349.e1-349.e28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Experience in Rehabilitation Medicine Affects Prognosis and End-of-Life Decision-Making of Neurologists: A Case-Based Survey. Neurocrit Care 2020; 31:125-134. [PMID: 30607828 PMCID: PMC6611059 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-018-0661-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Outcome predictions in patients with acute severe neurologic disorders are difficult and influenced by multiple factors. Since the decision for and the extent of life-sustaining therapies are based on the estimated prognosis, it is vital to understand which factors influence such estimates. This study examined whether previous professional experience with rehabilitation medicine influences physician decision-making. Methods A case vignette presenting a typical patient with an extensive brain stem infarction was developed and distributed online to clinical neurologists. Questions focused on prognosis, interpretation of an advanced directive, whether to withdraw life-sustaining treatments and information on prior rehabilitation experience from the survey respondent. Results Of the participating neurologists, 77% opted for the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies (n = 70; response rate: 14.8%). This decision was not affected by age, gender, or length of clinical experience. Neurologists with experience in rehabilitation medicine tended to estimate a more positive prognosis than neurologists without, but this result was not significant (p = .13). There was an association between the intervention chosen and previous experience in rehabilitation; neurologists with experience in rehabilitation medicine opted significantly more often (31.8%) for continuing life-sustaining treatments than neurologists without such experience (8.7%, p = .04). Conclusion Our results indicate that there are subjective factors influencing decisions to limit life-sustaining treatments that are based on previous professional experience. This finding emphasizes the variability and cognitive bias of such decision processes and should be integrated into future guidelines for specialist training on end-of-life decision-making.
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van Erp WS, Lavrijsen JCM, Vos PE, Laureys S, Koopmans RTCM. Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome: Outcomes from a vicious circle. Ann Neurol 2020; 87:12-18. [PMID: 31675139 PMCID: PMC6972677 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Willemijn S. van Erp
- Department of Primary and Community CareRadboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health SciencesNijmegenthe Netherlands
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of LiègeLiègeBelgium
| | - Jan C. M. Lavrijsen
- Department of Primary and Community CareRadboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health SciencesNijmegenthe Netherlands
| | - Pieter E. Vos
- Department of NeurologySlingeland HospitalDoetinchemthe Netherlands
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA ConsciousnessUniversity of LiègeLiègeBelgium
| | - Raymond T. C. M. Koopmans
- Department of Primary and Community CareRadboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, and Joachim en Anna Center for Specialized Geriatric CareNijmegenthe Netherlands
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Goudarzi F, Abedi H, Zarea K, Ahmadi F, Hosseinigolafshani SZ. The Resilient Care of Patients with Vegetative State at Home: a Grounded Theory. J Caring Sci 2018; 7:163-175. [PMID: 30283762 PMCID: PMC6163151 DOI: 10.15171/jcs.2018.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The care of patients in vegetative state at
home is difficult because they need continuous medical interventions and extensive care.
The present study aims to explain the process of home care of patients in vegetative state
at home. Methods: This study was a qualitative research with a
grounded theory approach. The participants were 22 people (included 17 family caregivers
and 5 professional caregivers) who were enrolled in a purposive sampling. Data was
gathered through unstructured interviews, observations and field notes. Data collection
was continued to saturation. Data analysis was performed through the Strauss and Corbin
1998 approach. The MAXQDA10 software was used to facilitate data analysis. Results: The data analysis led to emerge four main concepts
included "erosive care", "erosive expenditures", "seeking solver education" and "lasting
hope" as the axes of the study. Participants' experiences showed that the main concern of
family caregivers of vegetative patients was "playing an inevitable role in care", in
which they did not hesitate to make any effort, and they tolerated all the problems and
issues. Therefore, "resilient care" was extracted as the underlying idea of this
study. Conclusion: The process of resilient care of vegetative
patients at home showed planning by policy makers in health system is very important and
underscored the necessity for supporting families and family caregivers of these patients.
So some changes in the health system for this goal might include considering home care and
supporting them in various aspects, especially information, financial and emotional
dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Goudarzi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.,Department of Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Heidarali Abedi
- Department of Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Kourosh Zarea
- Nursing Care Research Center in Chronic Diseases, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Fazlollah Ahmadi
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Kim S, Lee Y. Korean Nurses’ Attitudes to Good and Bad Death, Life-Sustaining Treatment and Advance Directives. Nurs Ethics 2016; 10:624-37. [PMID: 14650481 DOI: 10.1191/0969733003ne652oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study was an investigation of which distinctive elements would best describe good and bad death, preferences for life-sustaining treatment, and advance directives. The following elements of a good death were identified by surveying 185 acute-care hospital nurses: comfort, not being a burden to the family, a good relationship with family members, a readiness to die, and a belief in perpetuity. Comfort was regarded as the most important. Distinctive elements of a bad death were: persistent vegetative state, sudden death, pain and agony, dying alone, and being a burden to the family. Of the 185 respondents, 90.8% answered that they did not intend to receive life-sustaining treatment if they suffered from a terminal illness without any chance of recovery; 77.8% revealed positive attitudes toward advance directives. Sixty-seven per cent of the respondents stated that they were willing to discuss their own death and dying; the perception of such discussions differed according to the medical condition ( p = 0.001). The elements of a bad death differed significantly depending on the disease state ( p = 0.003) and on economic status ( p = 0.023).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinmi Kim
- Department of Nursing, Woosuk University, Chonbuk, South Korea.
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Geluing L. Researching patients in the vegetative state: Difficulties of studying this patient group. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/136140960400900103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
It is now generally accepted that all patient groups should benefit from the potential advances in knowledge and understanding that result from clinical research. Despite this principle, patients in the vegetative state remain a group that has been chronically under-researched by neuroscientists because complex ethical questions and logistical dilemmas are raised by such research. The vegetative state is one of the best known but least understood of neurological conditions. It affects a small but significant number of people who make a poor recovery after sustaining a brain injury and has been brought to public attention through high profile cases in the UK and the USA. This paper defines the vegetative state and explores four important issues that should be considered when planning clinical research in this field. It is demonstrated that not only is it possible to undertake such research but also that there needs to be more of it so that greater numbers of patients and their families will benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Geluing
- School of Community Health & Social Studies Anglia Polytechnic University, Cambridge,
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8
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End-of-life considerations in the ICU in Japan: ethical and legal perspectives. J Intensive Care 2014; 2:9. [PMID: 25520825 PMCID: PMC4267582 DOI: 10.1186/2052-0492-2-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In Japan, the continuation of critical care at the end of life is a common practice due to the threat of legal action against physicians that may choose a palliative care approach. This is beginning to change due to public debate related to a series of controversial incidents concerning end-of-life care over the last decade. In this review we contrast and compare the history and evolution of end-of-life care in Japan vs. the USA and other Asian countries. Efforts by the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine (JSICM) to establish better end-of-life care systems, as well as future directions in palliative care in Japan, are discussed.
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Kadooka Y, Asai A, Fukuyama M, Bito S. A comparative survey on potentially futile treatments between Japanese nurses and laypeople. Nurs Ethics 2013; 21:64-75. [PMID: 23702889 DOI: 10.1177/0969733013484490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the issue of futile treatments, patients and healthcare professionals tend to disagree. We conducted an Internet questionnaire survey and explored the Japanese nurses' attitude toward this topic, comparing with that of laypeople. In total, 522 nurses and 1134 laypeople completed the questionnaire. Nurse respondents were significantly less in favor of providing potentially futile treatments in hypothetical vignettes and stressed quality of life of the patient for judging the futility of a certain treatment. Of them, 85.4% reported having experienced providing such treatments. Reasons for providing them included factors related to not only patients but also healthcare teams. Our results indicate that attitudes among Japanese nurses toward the issue of futile treatments are different from patients and that their actual practice is influenced by several situational factors.
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Clarke G, Harrison K, Holland A, Kuhn I, Barclay S. How are treatment decisions made about artificial nutrition for individuals at risk of lacking capacity? A systematic literature review. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61475. [PMID: 23613857 PMCID: PMC3628879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 03/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, the number of individuals lacking the mental capacity to participate in decisions about their own healthcare is increasing. Due to the ageing global population and advancing medical treatments, there are now many more people living longer with neurological disorders, such as dementia, acquired brain injuries, and intellectual disabilities. Many of these individuals have feeding difficulties and may require artificial nutrition. However, little is known about the decision-making process; the evidence base is uncertain and often ethically complex. Using the exemplar of artificial nutrition, the objective of this review is to examine how treatment decisions are made when patients are at risk of lacking capacity. METHODS AND FINDINGS We undertook a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines to determine who was involved in decisions, and what factors were considered. We searched PubMed, AMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and OpenSigle for quantitative and qualitative studies (1990-2011). Citation, reference, hand searches and expert consultation were also undertaken. Data extraction and quality assessment were undertaken independently and in duplicate. We utilised Thomas and Harden's 'Thematic Synthesis' for analysis. Sixty-six studies met inclusion criteria, comprising data from 40 countries and 34,649 patients, carers and clinicians. Six themes emerged: clinical indications were similar across countries but were insufficient alone for determining outcomes; quality of life was the main decision-making factor but its meaning varied; prolonging life was the second most cited factor; patient's wishes were influential but not determinative; families had some influence but were infrequently involved in final recommendations; clinicians often felt conflicted about their roles. CONCLUSIONS When individuals lack mental capacity, decisions must be made on their behalf. Dynamic interactive factors, such as protecting right to life, not unnecessarily prolonging suffering, and individual preferences, need to be addressed and balanced. These findings provide an outline to aid clinical practice and develop decision-making guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Clarke
- CLAHRC End of Life Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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Kadooka Y. [What is a futile or fruitful medical treatment and care?]. Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi 2013; 50:483-486. [PMID: 24047659 DOI: 10.3143/geriatrics.50.483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
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Kadooka Y, Asai A, Bito S. Can physicians' judgments of futility be accepted by patients? A comparative survey of Japanese physicians and laypeople. BMC Med Ethics 2012; 13:7. [PMID: 22520744 PMCID: PMC3461460 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6939-13-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Back ground Empirical surveys about medical futility are scarce relative to its theoretical assumptions. We aimed to evaluate the difference of attitudes between laypeople and physicians towards the issue. Methods A questionnaire survey was designed. Japanese laypeople (via Internet) and physicians with various specialties (via paper-and-pencil questionnaire) were asked about whether they would provide potentially futile treatments for end-of-life patients in vignettes, important factors for judging a certain treatment futile, and threshold of quantitative futility which reflects the numerical probability that an act will produce the desired physiological effect. Also, the physicians were asked about their practical frequency and important reasons for futile treatments. Results 1134 laypeople and 401 (80%) physicians responded. In all vignettes, the laypeople were more affirmative in providing treatments in question significantly. As the factors for judging futility, medical information and quality of life (QOL) of the patient were rather stressed by the physicians. Treatment wish of the family of the patient and psychological impact on patient side due to the treatment were rather stressed by laypeople. There were wide variations in the threshold of judging quantitative futility in both groups. 88.3% of the physicians had practical experience of providing futile treatment. Important reasons for it were communication problem with patient side and lack of systems regarding futility or foregoing such treatment. Conclusion Laypeople are more supportive of providing potentially futile treatments than physicians. The difference is explained by the importance of medical information, the patient family’s influence to decision-making and QOL of the patient. The threshold of qualitative futility is suggested to be arbitrary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Kadooka
- Department of Bioethics, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Science, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.
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Kuehlmeyer K, Racine E, Palmour N, Hoster E, Borasio GD, Jox RJ. Diagnostic and ethical challenges in disorders of consciousness and locked-in syndrome: a survey of German neurologists. J Neurol 2012; 259:2076-89. [PMID: 22407274 PMCID: PMC3464386 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-012-6459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2011] [Revised: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis and decisions on life-sustaining treatment (LST) in disorders of consciousness, such as the vegetative state (VS) and the minimally conscious state (MCS), are challenging for neurologists. The locked-in syndrome (LiS) is sometimes confounded with these disorders by less experienced physicians. We aimed to investigate (1) the application of diagnostic knowledge, (2) attitudes concerning limitations of LST, and (3) further challenging aspects in the care of patients. A vignette-based online survey with a randomized presentation of a VS, MCS, or LiS case scenario was conducted among members of the German Society for Neurology. A sample of 503 neurologists participated (response rate 16.4%). An accurate diagnosis was given by 86% of the participants. The LiS case was diagnosed more accurately (94%) than the VS case (79%) and the MCS case (87%, p < 0.001). Limiting LST for the patient was considered by 92, 91, and 84% of the participants who accurately diagnosed the VS, LiS, and MCS case (p = 0.09). Overall, most participants agreed with limiting cardiopulmonary resuscitation; a minority considered limiting artificial nutrition and hydration. Neurologists regarded the estimation of the prognosis and determination of the patients’ wishes as most challenging. The majority of German neurologists accurately applied the diagnostic categories VS, MCS, and LiS to case vignettes. Their attitudes were mostly in favor of limiting life-sustaining treatment and slightly differed for MCS as compared to VS and LiS. Attitudes toward LST strongly differed according to circumstances (e.g., patient’s will opposed treatment) and treatment measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Kuehlmeyer
- Institute of Ethics, History and Theory of Medicine, University of Munich, Lessingstrasse 2, 80336, Munich, Germany.
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Predicting neurological outcome in post cardiac arrest patients treated with hypothermia. Resuscitation 2011; 82:653-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2011.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2011] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Abstract
Background and Aims: Physician beliefs and practices largely determine the withdrawal of life support in intensive care units. No information exists regarding beliefs regarding the withdrawal of life support among physicians in India. Materials and Methods: We performed a questionnaire at the NAPCON conference in Jaipur. Results: One hundred and twenty-two questionnaires were completed and returned. The majority of respondents did not apply do not resuscitate orders. Most physicians stated withdrawal of life support was not allowed or practiced at their institution. Thirty-five percent of physicians stated they performed life-support withdrawal. Barriers to good end-of-life care were primarily legal but also included hospital policy and social constraints. Conclusions: Pulmonary and critical care physicians in India have a lower rate of withdrawal of life support than western physicians. The reasons seem to be primarily legal and policy related. Culture and religion were not identified as barriers. Clarification of the legal and policy status of withdrawal of life support is needed
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Affiliation(s)
- V Theodore Barnett
- The John A. Burns School of Medicine, The University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
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Aita K, Kai I. Physicians' psychosocial barriers to different modes of withdrawal of life support in critical care: A qualitative study in Japan. Soc Sci Med 2009; 70:616-22. [PMID: 19932548 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2009.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite a number of guidelines issued in Anglo-American countries over the past few decades for forgoing treatment stating that there is no ethically relevant difference between withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treatments (LST), it is recognized that many healthcare professionals in Japan as well as some of their western counterparts do not agree with this statement. This research was conducted to investigate the barriers that prevent physicians from withdrawing specific LST in critical care settings, focusing mainly on the modes of withdrawal of LST, in what the authors believe was the first study of its kind anywhere in the world. In 2006-2007, in-depth, face-to-face, semistructured interviews were conducted with 35 physicians working at emergency and critical care facilities across Japan. We elicited their experiences, attitudes, and perceptions regarding withdrawal of mechanical ventilation and other LST. The process of data analysis followed the grounded theory approach. We found that the psychosocial resistance of physicians to withdrawal of artificial devices varied according to the modes of withdrawal, showing a strong resistance to withdrawal of mechanical ventilation that requires physicians to halt the treatment when continuation of its mechanical operation is possible. However, there was little resistance to the withdrawal of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support and artificial liver support when their continuation was mechanically or physiologically impossible. The physicians shared a desire for a "soft landing" of the patient, that is, a slow and gradual death without drastic and immediate changes, which serves the psychosocial needs of the people surrounding the patient. For that purpose, vasopressors were often withheld and withdrawn. The findings suggest what the Japanese physicians avoid is not what they call a life-shortening act but an act that would not lead to a soft landing, or a slow death that looks 'natural' in the eyes of those surrounding the patient. The purpose of constructing such a final scene is believed to fulfill the psychosocial needs of the patient's family and the physicians, who emphasize on how death feels to those surrounding the patient. Unless withdrawing LST would lead to a soft landing, Japanese clinicians, who recognize that the results of withdrawing LST affect not only the patient but those around the patient, are likely to feel that there is an ethically relevant difference between withholding and withdrawing LST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoruko Aita
- The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, Global COE Programme Death and Life Studies, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo113-0033, Japan.
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Connie FOY, Kelvin LKH, Chung AC, Diana CMK, Gilberto LKK. Knowledge, acceptance and perception towards brainstem death among medical students in Hong Kong: a questionnaire survey on brainstem death. MEDICAL TEACHER 2008; 30:e125-e130. [PMID: 18576182 DOI: 10.1080/01421590801932236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brainstem death (BSD), defined as the irreversible loss of consciousness, brainstem reflexes and the capacity to breathe, is not an uncommon scenario seen in the day to day practice of medical personnel. Upon the diagnosis of BSD, controversial issues of withdrawing life-supporting treatments and organ procuring for transplantation inevitably arise. This study evaluated the knowledge, acceptance and perception of BSD amongst medical students in Hong Kong. METHODS A total of 126 medical students completed a self-administered questionnaire. Ten questions were used to assess their knowledge of BSD and this was correlated with their responses in three hypothetical vignettes. RESULTS The mean score of the subjects' knowledge was 6.03 out of 10. Less than half (48.8%) of the subjects' knew that BSD is different from persistent vegetative state while 49.2% and 36.3% knew that BSD is accepted as death medically and legally in Hong Kong, respectively. When 'diagnosed' with BSD, 63.7%, 46.8% and 52.4% of the subjects would agree to the withdrawal of life-support from themselves, their most-loved one/family member and a stranger, respectively. Subjects with better knowledge and those who thought that doctors may tend to diagnose BSD to save resources or procure organs for transplantation were more ready to accept the withdrawal of life-support. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that knowledge of BSD amongst medical students was unsatisfactory and that urgent actions should be taken to remedy the situation. A better knowledge of BSD positively influenced the decision-making on withdrawing life-support and that adequate information regarding the outcome of BSD should be provided. On the other hand, the perception of doctors' intentions behind diagnosing BSD has no direct influence on the decision-making. More emphasis is required on medical education, including a specific emphasis in the undergraduate lecture curriculum and bedside exposure to BSD diagnosis and subsequent counselling of patients' family members.
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Bito S, Asai A. Attitudes and behaviors of Japanese physicians concerning withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for end-of-life patients: results from an Internet survey. BMC Med Ethics 2007; 8:7. [PMID: 17577420 PMCID: PMC1913058 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6939-8-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2007] [Accepted: 06/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence concerning how Japanese physicians think and behave in specific clinical situations that involve withholding or withdrawal of medical interventions for end-of-life or frail elderly patients is yet insufficient. METHODS To analyze decisions and actions concerning the withholding/withdrawal of life-support care by Japanese physicians, we conducted cross-sectional web-based internet survey presenting three scenarios involving an elderly comatose patient following a severe stroke. Volunteer physicians were recruited for the survey through mailing lists and medical journals. The respondents answered questions concerning attitudes and behaviors regarding decision-making for the withholding/withdrawal of life-support care, namely, the initiation/withdrawal of tube feeding and respirator attachment. RESULTS Of the 304 responses analyzed, a majority felt that tube feeding should be initiated in these scenarios. Only 18% felt that a respirator should be attached when the patient had severe pneumonia and respiratory failure. Over half the respondents felt that tube feeding should not be withdrawn when the coma extended beyond 6 months. Only 11% responded that they actually withdrew tube feeding. Half the respondents perceived tube feeding in such a patient as a "life-sustaining treatment," whereas the other half disagreed. Physicians seeking clinical ethics consultation supported the withdrawal of tube feeding (OR, 6.4; 95% CI, 2.5-16.3; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Physicians tend to harbor greater negative attitudes toward the withdrawal of life-support care than its withholding. On the other hand, they favor withholding invasive life-sustaining treatments such as the attachment of a respirator over less invasive and long-term treatments such as tube feeding. Discrepancies were demonstrated between attitudes and actual behaviors. Physicians may need systematic support for appropriate decision-making for end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Bito
- National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, 2-5-1, Higashigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8902, Japan
| | - Atsushi Asai
- Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
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Aita K, Miyata H, Takahashi M, Kai I. Japanese physicians' practice of withholding and withdrawing mechanical ventilation and artificial nutrition and hydration from older adults with very severe stroke. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2007; 46:263-72. [PMID: 17561284 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2007.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2006] [Revised: 04/08/2007] [Accepted: 04/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Amid the lack of legislation or guidelines regarding withholding and withdrawing care in Japan, some physicians who have withdrawn mechanical ventilation from dying patients have recently been subjected to police investigations on suspicion of murder. Under the circumstances, we examined Japanese physicians' attitudes towards mechanical ventilation and artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) as life-sustaining treatments (LST) to find out if they withhold or withdraw the LST when treating older adults with stroke-caused profound impairment with no hope for recovery. Face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 physicians ranging in age from 26 to 70 in 2004 mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The study findings show that the informants held different views towards the two LST because most doctors considered ANH to be indispensable, while they did not think so for mechanical ventilation. Regarding the reasons that lead physicians to consider ANH is indispensable while mechanical ventilation is not, the following factors were identified: ANH's special status as food and water, ordinary/extraordinary, the level of technology, and sense of unnaturalness. Because of its indispensability, ANH is automatically provided, while mechanical ventilation could be withheld in some patients that the physicians have diagnosed to have no hope for recovery. The current legal framework in Japan, which poses legal risks for physicians when withdrawing care, have led some of the physicians to withdraw care in a secret manner, thus causing an unnecessary psychological burden on the physicians. This study indicated that the legal framework has possibly caused troubles in two ways: routinely providing patients with possibly unwanted mechanical ventilation and ANH, and conversely, prompting some doctors to withhold mechanical ventilation in some cases, thereby potentially depriving some patients of a chance to recover. The introduction of the practice of a trial treatment period may be more cogent, considering the inherent uncertainty of diagnoses. The findings of the study also indicated that the physician informants tended to view the value of maintaining the lives of non-communicative patients in terms of the relationships of such patients with others. The vulnerability of patients without strong relationships with others needs to be taken into consideration when compiling guidelines regarding withholding and withdrawing care in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoruko Aita
- Department of Social Gerontology, School of Health Sciences and Nursing, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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Abstract
PURPOSE To examine perspectives of Japanese elderly people on advance directives (ADs) and factors related to positive attitudes toward ADs. METHOD The data were collected by a structured questionnaire from 313 of 565 older adult members of senior citizens' centers in two cities in Japan. Survey items pertained to demographic characteristics, terminal care preferences, and personal values, including autonomy, family function, and religious piety. FINDINGS Of the 313 elderly people who completed questionnaires, 72.9% had positive preferences for executing living wills. With regard to durable power of attorney for health care, 62.2% approved of it. The supporters of ADs were more likely to have had discussions about terminal care with family members or physicians, experience of a family member hospitalized for terminal illness or injury, preferences for life-sustaining treatments that were self-determined, and personal values such as religious piety. The relationship between positive preferences toward durable power of attorney for health care and sex, marital status, and living arrangements were significant. CONCLUSIONS Most Japanese older adults in this study approved of ADs, and family structure was important to the acceptance of designating a proxy. Discussion about end-of-life care and respect for life-sustaining treatment preferences are important decisions, about the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Matsui
- Department of Gerontological Nursing, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan.
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Ulrich CM, Ratcliffe SJ. Hypothetical Vignettes in Empirical Bioethics Research. EMPIRICAL METHODS FOR BIOETHICS: A PRIMER 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1479-3709(07)11008-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Lauter H, Helmchen H. Vorausverfügter Behandlungsverzicht bei Verlust der Selbstbestimmbarkeit infolge persistierender Hirnerkrankung. DER NERVENARZT 2006; 77:1031-2, 1034-6, 1038-9. [PMID: 16810526 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-006-2117-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A short overview is given of the current debate on ethics and legal clarification of the range and binding force of so-called living wills demanding interruption of treatment in case of loss of autonomy due to persistent or progressive brain disease. Using the examples of dementia and persistent vegetative states - conditions with growing significance for psychiatrists - the binding force of living wills is examined for cases in which the irreversibility and extent of consciousness loss cannot be predicted with certainty. The range of living wills' authority appears also unclear. Legal proposals for limiting them to disease conditions near death are confronted by other proposals that reject such limitations. Added to this is the medical uncertainty of assessing the criterion nearness to death in irreversible and life-limiting diseases. The patient's right of self-determination, confirmed by high court decisions, to refuse in advance treatments that are life-prolonging but require consent is opposed to the medical obligation to save life and act in the patient's best interest. Moral dilemmas caused by this situation on the part of physicians, carepersons, and relatives or others, particularly authorized persons, should be solved by an exhaustive discussion with all persons who are involved in such decisions, and in a way that comes as near as possible to the patients living will.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Lauter
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, München, Germany.
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Yun YH, You CH, Lee JS, Park SM, Lee KS, Lee CG, Kim S. Understanding disparities in aggressive care preferences between patients with terminal illness and their family members. J Pain Symptom Manage 2006; 31:513-21. [PMID: 16793491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2005.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We examined the factors associated with the disparity in aggressive care preferences between patients with terminal cancer and their family members. Two hundred forty-four consecutive pairs recruited from three university hospitals participated in this study. Each pair completed questionnaires that measured two major aggressive care preferences-admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Sixty-eight percent of patients and their family members were in agreement regarding admission to the ICU and 71% agreed regarding CPR. Regarding admission to the ICU, younger, unmarried patients and patients who preferred to die in an institution were more likely to have a different preference from their family caregivers. Regarding CPR, younger patients and patients from severely dysfunctional families were more likely to have a different preference from their family caregivers. Elucidation of the factors associated with such disparities should help reduce them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Ho Yun
- Quality of Cancer Care Branch (Y.H.Y., C.H.Y., J.S.L., S.M.P.), National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, South Korea.
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Abstract
The vegetative state and the minimally conscious state are disorders of consciousness that can be acute and reversible or chronic and irreversible. Diffuse lesions of the thalami, cortical neurons, or the white-matter tracts that connect them cause the vegetative state, which is wakefulness without awareness. Functional imaging with PET and functional MRI shows activation of primary cortical areas with stimulation, but not of secondary areas or distributed neural networks that would indicate awareness. Vegetative state has a poor prognosis for recovery of awareness when present for more than a year in traumatic cases and for 3 months in non-traumatic cases. Patients in minimally conscious state are poorly responsive to stimuli, but show intermittent awareness behaviours. Indeed, findings of preliminary functional imaging studies suggest that some patients could have substantially intact awareness. The outcomes of minimally conscious state are variable. Stimulation treatments have been disappointing in vegetative state but occasionally improve minimally conscious state. Treatment decisions for patients in vegetative state or minimally conscious state should follow established ethical and legal principles and accepted practice guidelines of professional medical specialty societies.
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Abstract
The concept of death has evolved as technology has progressed. This has forced medicine and society to redefine its ancient cardiorespiratory centred diagnosis to a neurocentric diagnosis of death. The apparent consensus about the definition of death has not yet appeased all controversy. Ethical, moral and religious concerns continue to surface and include a prevailing malaise about possible expansions of the definition of death to encompass the vegetative state or about the feared bias of formulating criteria so as to facilitate organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Laureys
- Cyclotron Research Centre and Neurology Department, Université de Liège, Sart Tilman-B30, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
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Akabayashi A, Slingsby BT, Kai I. Perspectives on advance directives in Japanese society: A population-based questionnaire survey. BMC Med Ethics 2003; 4:E5. [PMID: 14588077 PMCID: PMC272930 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6939-4-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2003] [Accepted: 10/31/2003] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Japan, discussion concerning advance directives (ADs) has been on the rise during the past decade. ADs are one method proposed to facilitate the process of communication among patients, families and health care providers regarding the plan of care of a patient who is no longer capable of communicating. In this paper, we report the results of the first in-depth survey on the general population concerning the preferences and use of ADs in Japan. Method A self-administered questionnaire was sent via mail to a stratified random sampling of 560 residents listed in the residential registry of one district of Tokyo, Japan (n = 165,567). Association between correlating factors and specific preferences toward ADs was assessed using contingency table bivariate analysis and multivariate regression model to estimate independent contribution. Results Of the 560 questionnaires sent out, a total of 425 participants took part in the survey yielding a response rate of 75.9 %. The results of the present study indicate that: 1) the most important components to be addressed are the specifics of medical treatment at the end of life stage and disclosure of diagnosis and prognosis; 2) the majority of participants found it suitable to express their directives by word to family and/or physician and not by written documentation; 3) there is no strong need for legal measures in setting up an AD; 4) it is permissible for family and physician to loosely interpret one's directives; 5) the most suitable proxy is considered to be a family member, relative, or spouse. Multivariate analysis found the following five factors as significantly associated with preferences: 1) awareness regarding living wills, 2) experience with the use of ADs, 3) preferences for end-of-life treatment, 4) preferences for information disclosure, and 5) intentions of creating a will. Conclusions Written ADs might be useful in the Japanese setting when the individual either wishes: 1) to not provide a lot of leeway to surrogates and/or caregivers, and/or 2) to ensure his or her directives in the cases of terminal illness, brain death, and pain treatment, as well as regarding information disclosure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Akabayashi
- Department of Biomedical Ethics, School of Health Science and Nursing, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Department of Biomedical Ethics, School of Public Health, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Brian Taylor Slingsby
- Department of Biomedical Ethics, School of Public Health, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kai
- Department of Social Gerontology, School of Health Science and Nursing, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyoku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Lin RJ. Withdrawing life-sustaining medical treatment--a physician's personal reflection. MENTAL RETARDATION AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEWS 2003; 9:10-5. [PMID: 12587132 DOI: 10.1002/mrdd.10057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The decision to withhold or withdraw artificially provided hydration and nutrition is one which evolves over time and must be made jointly by the medical team and the patient's family. Although withholding nutrition can be argued to be ethical and appropriate for certain clinical scenarios, it is still a decision which can be difficult to make and, because of different social and legal issues, can be difficult to carry out. This is the story of one physician's journey as he worked with the mother and father of a young child who suffered a severe neurological injury and was left in a persistent vegetative state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Lin
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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Abstract
The use of tube feeding in some patients can be controversial, however, few studies have investigated dietitians' opinions on this subject. A cross-sectional survey of 345 members the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute was conducted using a self-administered, anonymous, postal questionnaire. A 44% response rate was achieved. Mean number of years qualified was 9.3 (8.4). Eighty-one per cent of responders were involved in initiating tube feeding in stroke patients, and 8.5% in discontinuing tube feeding in a patient in a persistent vegetative state (PVS). Nine per cent felt that their input had no influence on the care plan of the patient with dementia and 67% felt that the information given to families (or other decision makers) concerning tube feeding was inadequate. The majority of respondents favoured tube feeding fictitious stroke and cancer patients, but less than half favoured tube feeding a fictitious patient in a PVS or a patient with dementia. When given similar scenarios involving themselves, fewer dietitians wanted to be tube fed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Healy
- School of Biological Sciences, Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street, Dublin 7, Republic of Ireland
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Tanida N, Asai A, Ohnishi M, Nagata SK, Fukui T, Yamazaki Y, Kuhse H. Voluntary active euthanasia and the nurse: a comparison of Japanese and Australian nurses. Nurs Ethics 2002; 9:313-22. [PMID: 12035436 DOI: 10.1191/0969733002ne513oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Although euthanasia has been a pressing ethical and public issue, empirical data are lacking in Japan. We aimed to explore Japanese nurses' attitudes to patients' requests for euthanasia and to estimate the proportion of nurses who have taken active steps to hasten death. A postal survey was conducted between October and December 1999 among all nurse members of the Japanese Association of Palliative Medicine, using a self-administered questionnaire based on the one used in a previous survey with Australian nurses in 1991. The response rate was 68%. A total of 53% of the respondents had been asked by patients to hasten their death, but none had taken active steps to bring about death. Only 23% regarded voluntary active euthanasia as something ethically right and 14% would practice it if it were legal. A comparison with empirical data from the previous Australian study suggests a significantly more conservative attitude among Japanese nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noritoshi Tanida
- Department of Internal Medicine 4, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawacho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan.
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Abstract
The exact time of death for many intensive care unit patients is increasingly preceded by an end-of-life decision. Such decisions are fraught with ethical, religious, moral, cultural, and legal difficulties. Key questions surrounding this issue include the difference between withholding and withdrawing, when to withhold/withdraw, who should be involved in the decision-making process, what are the relevant legal precedents, etc. Cultural variations in attitude to such issues are perhaps expected between continents, but key differences also exist on a more local basis, for example, among the countries of Europe. Physicians need to be aware of the potential cultural differences in the attitudes not only of their colleagues, but also of their patients and families. Open discussion of these issues and some change in our attitude toward life and death are needed to enable such patients to have a pain-free, dignified death.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Vincent
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasme University Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.
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