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Haward MF, Lorenz JM, Fischhoff B. Antenatal Consultation Research and Practices Through the Lens of Decision Science. J Pediatr 2024; 274:114173. [PMID: 38942356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marlyse F Haward
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
| | - John M Lorenz
- Department of Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children Hospital of New York, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Baruch Fischhoff
- Department of Engineering and Public Policy and Institute for Politics and Strategy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
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2
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Geurtzen R, Wilkinson DJC. Incorporating parental values in complex paediatric and perinatal decisions. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2024; 8:225-235. [PMID: 38219752 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(23)00267-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Incorporating parental values in complex medical decisions for young children is important but challenging. In this Review, we explore what it means to incorporate parental values in complex paediatric and perinatal decisions. We provide a narrative overview of the paediatric, ethics, and medical decision-making literature, focusing on value-based and ethically complex decisions for children who are too young to express their own preferences. We explain key concepts and definitions, discuss paediatric-specific features, reflect on challenges in learning and expressing values for both parents and health-care providers, and provide recommendations for clinical practice. Decisional values are informed by global and external values and could relate to the child, the parents, and the whole family. These values should inform preferences and assure value-congruent choices. Additionally, parents might hold various meta values on the process of decision making itself. Complex decisions for young children are emotionally taxing, ethically difficult, and often surrounded by uncertainty. These contextual factors make it more likely that values and preferences are initially absent or unstable and need to be constructed or stabilised. Health-care professionals and parents should work together to construct and clarify values and incorporate them into personalised decisions for the child. An open communication style, with unbiased and tailored information in a supportive environment, is helpful. Dedicated training in communication and shared decision making could help to improve the incorporation of parental values in complex decisions for young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Geurtzen
- Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud Institute of Healthcare Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | - Dominic J C Wilkinson
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Newborn Care Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford, UK; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Biomedical Ethics, National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore
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3
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Renckens SC, Pasman HR, Jorna Z, Klop HT, Perron CD, van Zuylen L, Steegers MAH, Ten Tusscher BL, van Mol MMC, Vloet LCM, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD. Varying (preferred) levels of involvement in treatment decision-making in the intensive care unit before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study among relatives. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2024; 24:46. [PMID: 38347583 PMCID: PMC10863197 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-024-02429-y] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the intensive care unit (ICU) relatives play a crucial role as surrogate decision-makers, since most patients cannot communicate due to their illness and treatment. Their level of involvement in decision-making can affect their psychological well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, relatives' involvement probably changed. We aim to investigate relatives' involvement in decision-making in the ICU before and during the pandemic and their experiences and preferences in this regard. METHODS A mixed-methods study among relatives of ICU patients admitted to an ICU before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Relatives in six ICUs completed a questionnaire (n = 329), including two items on decision-making. These were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses. Subsequently, relatives (n = 24) were interviewed about their experiences and preferences regarding decision-making. Thematic analysis was used for analysing the qualitative data. RESULTS Nearly 55% of the relatives indicated they were at least occasionally asked to be involved in important treatment decisions and of these relatives 97.1% reported to have had enough time to discuss questions and concerns when important decisions were to be made. During the first COVID-19 wave relatives were significantly less likely to be involved in decision-making compared to relatives from pre-COVID-19. The interviews showed that involvement varied from being informed about an already made decision to deliberation about the best treatment option. Preferences for involvement also varied, with some relatives preferring no involvement due to a perceived lack of expertise and others preferring an active role as the patient's advocate. Discussing a patient's quality of life was appreciated by relatives, and according to relatives healthcare professionals also found this valuable. In some cases the preferred and actual involvement was in discordance, preferring either a larger or a smaller role. CONCLUSIONS As treatment alignment with a patient's values and preferences and accordance between preferred and actual involvement in decision-making is very important, we suggest that the treatment decision-making process should start with discussions about a patient's quality of life, followed by tailoring the process to relatives' preferences as much as possible. Healthcare professionals should be aware of relatives' heterogeneous and possibly changing preferences regarding the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C Renckens
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - H Roeline Pasman
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zina Jorna
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanna T Klop
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Viaa University of Applied Sciences, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal du Perron
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lia van Zuylen
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique A H Steegers
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birkitt L Ten Tusscher
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margo M C van Mol
- Erasmus MC, Department of Intensive Care Medicine Adults, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Foundation Family and patient Centered Intensive Care (FCIC), Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - Lilian C M Vloet
- Foundation Family and patient Centered Intensive Care (FCIC), Alkmaar, The Netherlands
- Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- IQ Healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Hewitt J, Alsaba N, May K, Cartwright C, Willmott L, White BP, Marshall AP. The role of law in end-of-life decision-making in emergency departments and intensive care units: a retrospective review of current practice in a Queensland health service. AUST HEALTH REV 2024; 48:95-102. [PMID: 38081044 DOI: 10.1071/ah23160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Objective There is limited evidence about how legal frameworks that underpin end-of-life decisions are applied in practice. This study aimed to identify how end-of-life decisions are made and documented in emergency departments and intensive care units. The secondary aim was to explore the extent to which the legal processes featured in these decisions. Methods A retrospective chart audit of 85 adult patients who died in the emergency departments and intensive care units of a Queensland health service was undertaken. Quantitative data were analysed and reported using descriptive statistics. Qualitative textual data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results Nearly all admissions were unplanned (97.6%), and most patients (74.1%) were admitted from home. Only one patient had an advance health directive, although all had an eligible substitute decision-maker. The qualitative analysis revealed two main concepts - 'healthcare professionals choreograph the end of life' and 'patients and families are carried on an unplanned journey'. Conclusions There was limited documentation related to the application of the legal framework in these decisions. Healthcare professionals relied on their clinical judgment about what was in the best interest of the patient. It was common for there to be a substantial effort to achieve consensus in decision-making which coincidently complied with the law.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Hewitt
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia; and Griffith University, Law Futures Centre, Gold Coast Campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia; and Gold Coast University Hospital, 1 Hospital Boulevard, Southport, Qld 4215, Australia
| | - Nemat Alsaba
- Gold Coast University Hospital, 1 Hospital Boulevard, Southport, Qld 4215, Australia; and Faculty of Health Science and Medicine, Bond University, 14 University Drive, Robina, Qld 4226, Australia
| | - Katya May
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia; and Gold Coast University Hospital, 1 Hospital Boulevard, Southport, Qld 4215, Australia
| | - Colleen Cartwright
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga, Qld 4225, Australia
| | - Lindy Willmott
- Faculty of Business and Law, Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point campus, 2 George Street, Brisbane, Qld 4000, Australia
| | - Ben P White
- Faculty of Business and Law, Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point campus, 2 George Street, Brisbane, Qld 4000, Australia
| | - Andrea P Marshall
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia; and Gold Coast University Hospital, 1 Hospital Boulevard, Southport, Qld 4215, Australia
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5
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Jöbges S, Meier S. [News in intensive care unit communication]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2023; 148:1443-1447. [PMID: 37918429 DOI: 10.1055/a-1947-9612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Current publications on the topic of communication in intensive care units (ITS) are shaped by the experiences of the COVID19 pandemic and the restrictions on personal contact and communication experienced during this time. Virtual, computer-based and telemedical concepts have grown out of this situation with limited contact and communication possibilities with patients and their relatives, but also between the individual service providers in the health system. It can also be assumed that artificial intelligence will increasingly be an issue in communication in intensive care units in the coming years. However, the significance, consequences and risks of the use of these new possibilities remain to be seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Jöbges
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie mit Schwerpunkt operative Intensivmedizin, Charite, Universitätsmedizin Berlin
| | - Stefan Meier
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
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Prins S, Linn AJ, van Kaam AHLC, van de Loo M, van Woensel JBM, van Heerde M, Dijk PH, Kneyber MCJ, de Hoog M, Simons SHP, Akkermans AA, Smets EMA, de Vos MA. Diversity of Parent Emotions and Physician Responses During End-of-Life Conversations. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2022061050. [PMID: 37575087 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-061050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To provide support to parents of critically ill children, it is important that physicians adequately respond to parents' emotions. In this study, we investigated emotions expressed by parents, physicians' responses to these expressions, and parents' emotions after the physicians' responses in conversations in which crucial decisions regarding the child's life-sustaining treatment had to be made. METHODS Forty-nine audio-recorded conversations between parents of 12 critically ill children and physicians working in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units of 3 Dutch university medical centers were coded and analyzed by using a qualitative inductive approach. RESULTS Forty-six physicians and 22 parents of 12 children participated. In all 49 conversations, parents expressed a broad range of emotions, often intertwining, including anxiety, anger, devotion, grief, relief, hope, and guilt. Both implicit and explicit expressions of anxiety were prevalent. Physicians predominantly responded to parental emotions with cognition-oriented approaches, thereby limiting opportunities for parents. This appeared to intensify parents' expressions of anger and protectiveness, although their anxiety remained under the surface. In response to more tangible emotional expressions, for instance, grief when the child's death was imminent, physicians provided parents helpful support in both affect- and cognition-oriented ways. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illustrate the diversity of emotions expressed by parents during end-of-life conversations. Moreover, they offer insight into the more and less helpful ways in which physicians may respond to these emotions. More training is needed to help physicians in recognizing parents' emotions, particularly implicit expressions of anxiety, and to choose helpful combinations of responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Prins
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital
| | - Annemiek J Linn
- Amsterdam School of Communication Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Moniek van de Loo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Emma Children's Hospital
| | - Job B M van Woensel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Emma Children's Hospital
| | - Marc van Heerde
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Emma Children's Hospital
| | | | - Martin C J Kneyber
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sinno H P Simons
- Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aranka A Akkermans
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen M A Smets
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Labrie N, Kunneman M, van Veenendaal N, van Kempen A, van Vliet L. Using expert opinion rounds to develop valid and realistic manipulations for experimental video-vignette research: Results from a study on clinicians' (un)reasonable argumentative support for treatment decisions in neonatal care. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 112:107715. [PMID: 36996589 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop valid and realistic manipulations for video-vignette research using expert opinion rounds, in preparation of an experimental study on clinicians' (un)reasonable argumentative support for treatment decisions in neonatal care. METHODS In three rounds, N = 37 participants (parents/clinicians/researchers) provided feedback on four video-vignette scripts and completed listing, ranking, and rating exercises to determine which (un)reasonable arguments clinicians may provide to support treatment decisions. RESULTS Round 1: participants deemed the scripts realistic. They judged that, on average, clinicians should provide two arguments for a treatment decision. They listed 13-20 reasonable arguments, depending on the script. Round 2: participants ranked the two most salient, reasonable arguments per script. Round 3: participants rated the most plausible, unreasonable arguments from a predefined list. These results guided the design of 12 experimental conditions. CONCLUSION Expert opinion rounds are an effective method to develop video-vignettes that are theoretically sound and ecologically realistic and offer a powerful means to include stakeholders in experimental research design. Our study yielded some preliminary insights into what are considered prevalent (un)reasonable arguments for clinicians' treatment plans. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS We provide hands-on guidelines on involving stakeholders in the design of video-vignette experiments and the development of video-based health communication interventions - both for research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanon Labrie
- Department of Language, Literature & Communication, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Marleen Kunneman
- Medical Decision Making, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
| | - Nicole van Veenendaal
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne van Kempen
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth van Vliet
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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8
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Akkermans A, Prins S, Spijkers AS, Wagemans J, Labrie NHM, Willems DL, Schultz MJ, Cherpanath TGV, van Woensel JBM, van Heerde M, van Kaam AH, van de Loo M, Stiggelbout A, Smets EMA, de Vos MA. Argumentation in end-of-life conversations with families in Dutch intensive care units: a qualitative observational study. Intensive Care Med 2023; 49:421-433. [PMID: 37004524 PMCID: PMC10119246 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-023-07027-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In intensive care units (ICUs), decisions about the continuation or discontinuation of life-sustaining treatment (LST) are made on a daily basis. Professional guidelines recommend an open exchange of standpoints and underlying arguments between doctors and families to arrive at the most appropriate decision. Yet, it is still largely unknown how doctors and families argue in real-life conversations. This study aimed to (1) identify which arguments doctors and families use in support of standpoints to continue or discontinue LST, (2) investigate how doctors and families structure their arguments, and (3) explore how their argumentative practices unfold during conversations. METHOD A qualitative inductive thematic analysis of 101 audio-recorded conversations between doctors and families. RESULTS Seventy-one doctors and the families of 36 patients from the neonatal, pediatric, and adult ICU (respectively, N-ICU, P-ICU, and A-ICU) of a large university-based hospital participated. In almost all conversations, doctors were the first to argue and families followed, thereby either countering the doctor's line of argumentation or substantiating it. Arguments put forward by doctors and families fell under one of ten main types. The types of arguments presented by families largely overlapped with those presented by doctors. A real exchange of arguments occurred in a minority of conversations and was generally quite brief in the sense that not all possible arguments were presented and then discussed together. CONCLUSION This study offers a detailed insight in the argumentation practices of doctors and families, which can help doctors to have a sharper eye for the arguments put forward by doctors and families and to offer room for true deliberation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aranka Akkermans
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Sanne Prins
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amber S Spijkers
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jean Wagemans
- Department of Speech Communication, Argumentation Theory, and Rhetoric, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nanon H M Labrie
- Department of Language, Literature and Communication, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick L Willems
- Department of Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcus J Schultz
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas G V Cherpanath
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Job B M van Woensel
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc van Heerde
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anton H van Kaam
- Department of Neonatology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Moniek van de Loo
- Department of Neonatology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Stiggelbout
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen M A Smets
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam A de Vos
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Aggarwal R, Kodan P, Kumar R, Nawal S, Trikha A. Response to: 'Medical consent; striking the right balance between shared decision-making and shared responsibility': a win-win scenario if done well. QJM 2023; 116:147-148. [PMID: 35262695 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R Aggarwal
- From the Critical and Intensive Care, JPN Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - P Kodan
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - R Kumar
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - S Nawal
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - A Trikha
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
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Howe EG. When Should Providers Defer versus Impose Their Views? THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ETHICS 2023; 34:289-295. [PMID: 37991734 DOI: 10.1086/727439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThis piece discusses perhaps the most agonizing ethical decision ethics consultants and other providers encounter. This is the extent to which providers should defer decisions to patients or to their proxy decision makers as opposed to imposing their own views as to what they think is ethically right. It discusses the most difficult issues these providers may encounter, especially when they wish to depart from authoritative bodies' standards or guidelines, and it presents initial steps providers may take to help patients and their families work together to resolve these dilemmas more harmoniously. It highlights how providers may inadvertently impose flawed biases on patients and families. Finally, it discusses how providers should take initiative with both parties to offer to help appeal when these avenues already exist and seek to establish the appellate procedures when they are absent.
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11
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Kopanczyk R, Lester J, Long MT, Kossbiel BJ, Hess AS, Rozycki A, Nunley DR, Habib A, Taylor A, Awad H, Bhatt AM. The Future of Cardiothoracic Surgical Critical Care Medicine as a Medical Science: A Call to Action. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 59:47. [PMID: 36676669 PMCID: PMC9867461 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cardiothoracic surgical critical care medicine (CT-CCM) is a medical discipline centered on the perioperative care of diverse groups of patients. With an aging demographic and an increase in burden of chronic diseases the utilization of cardiothoracic surgical critical care units is likely to escalate in the coming decades. Given these projections, it is important to assess the state of cardiothoracic surgical intensive care, to develop goals and objectives for the future, and to identify knowledge gaps in need of scientific inquiry. This two-part review concentrates on CT-CCM as its own subspeciality of critical care and cardiothoracic surgery and provides aspirational goals for its practitioners and scientists. In part one, a list of guiding principles and a call-to-action agenda geared towards growth and promotion of CT-CCM are offered. In part two, an evaluation of selected scientific data is performed, identifying gaps in CT-CCM knowledge, and recommending direction to future scientific endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Kopanczyk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jesse Lester
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Micah T. Long
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin Hospitals & Clinics, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Briana J. Kossbiel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aaron S. Hess
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospitals & Clinics, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Alan Rozycki
- Department of Pharmacology, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - David R. Nunley
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Alim Habib
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ashley Taylor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hamdy Awad
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Amar M. Bhatt
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Critical Care, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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12
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How doctors manage conflicts with families of critically ill patients during conversations about end-of-life decisions in neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care. Intensive Care Med 2022; 48:910-922. [PMID: 35773499 PMCID: PMC9273549 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-022-06771-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intensive care is a stressful environment in which team-family conflicts commonly occur. If managed poorly, conflicts can have negative effects on all parties involved. Previous studies mainly investigated these conflicts and their management in a retrospective way. This study aimed to prospectively explore team-family conflicts, including its main topics, complicating factors, doctors' conflict management strategies and the effect of these strategies. METHODS Conversations between doctors in the neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care unit of a large university-based hospital and families of critically ill patients were audio-recorded from the moment doubts arose whether treatment was still in patients' best interest. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using a qualitative deductive approach. RESULTS Team-family conflicts occurred in 29 out of 101 conversations (29%) concerning 20 out of 36 patients (56%). Conflicts mostly concerned more than one topic. We identified four complicating context- and/or family-related factors: diagnostic and prognostic uncertainty, families' strong negative emotions, limited health literacy, and burden of responsibility. Doctors used four overarching strategies to manage conflicts, namely content-oriented, process-oriented, moral and empathic strategies. Doctors mostly used content-oriented strategies, independent of the intensive care setting. They were able to effectively address conflicts in most conversations. Yet, if they did not acknowledge families' cues indicating the existence of one or more complicating factors, conflicts were likely to linger on during the conversation. CONCLUSION This study underlines the importance of doctors tailoring their communication strategies to the concrete conflict topic(s) and to the context- and family-related factors which complicate a specific conflict.
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Bennett HE, Duke S, Richardson A. Paediatric advance care planning in life-limiting conditions: scoping review of parent experiences. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2022; 13:161-173. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2022-003544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundAdvance care planning is considered best practice for children and young people with life-limiting conditions but there is limited evidence how parents’ perceive, understand and engage with the process.AimTo understand parents’ experience of advance care planning for a child or young person with a life-limiting condition.DesignScoping review, theoretically informed by Family Sense of Coherence. Parents’ experience was conceptualised in terms of meaningfulness, comprehensibility and manageability.Data sourcesElectronic databases Medline, CINAHL and PyschINFO were searched for studies published between 1990 and 2021, using MeSH and broad-base terms.Results150 citations were identified and screened; 15 studies were included: qualitative (n=10), survey (n=3) and participatory research (n=2). Parents’ experience of advance care planning was contextualised by their family values and beliefs, needs and goals and the day-to-day impact of caring for their child and family. They valued conversations, which helped them to maximise their child’s quality of life and minimise their suffering. They preferred flexible, rather than definitive decisions about end-of-life care and treatment.ConclusionsAdvance care planning which solely focuses on treatment decisions is at odds with parents’ concerns about the current and future impact of illness on their child and family. Parents want advance care planning for their child to reflect what matters to them as a family. Future longitudinal and comparative studies are needed to understand the influence of advance care planning on parental decision-making over time and how social, cultural and contextual nuances influence parental experience.
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Prins S, Linn AJ, van Kaam AHLC, van de Loo M, van Woensel JBM, van Heerde M, Dijk PH, Kneyber MCJ, de Hoog M, Simons SHP, Akkermans AA, Smets EMA, Hillen MA, de Vos MA. How Physicians Discuss Uncertainty With Parents in Intensive Care Units. Pediatrics 2022; 149:188092. [PMID: 35603505 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-055980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Physicians and parents of critically ill neonates and children receiving intensive care have to make decisions on the child's behalf. Throughout the child's illness and treatment trajectory, adequately discussing uncertainties with parents is pivotal because this enhances the quality of the decision-making process and may positively affect the child's and parents' well-being. We investigated how physicians discuss uncertainty with parents and how this discussion evolves over time during the trajectory. METHODS We asked physicians working in the NICU and PICU of 3 university medical centers to audio record their conversations with parents of critically ill children from the moment doubts arose whether treatment was in the child's best interests. We qualitatively coded and analyzed the anonymized transcripts, thereby using the software tool MAXQDA 2020. RESULTS Physicians were found to adapt the way they discussed uncertainty with parents to the specific phase of the child's illness and treatment trajectory. When treatment options were still available, physicians primarily focused on uncertainty related to diagnostic procedures, treatment options, and associated risks and effects. Particularly when the child's death was imminent, physicians had less "scientific" guidance to offer. They eliminated most uncertainty and primarily addressed practical uncertainties regarding the child's dying process to offer parents guidance. CONCLUSIONS Our insights may increase physicians' awareness and enhance their skills in discussing uncertainties with parents tailored to the phase of the child's illness and treatment trajectory and to parental needs in each specific phase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annemiek J Linn
- Amsterdam School of Communication Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Job B M van Woensel
- Pediatric Intensive Care, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marc van Heerde
- Pediatric Intensive Care, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter H Dijk
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Neonatology
| | - Martin C J Kneyber
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Sinno H P Simons
- Neonatology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aranka A Akkermans
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen M A Smets
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marij A Hillen
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Seifart C, Falch M, Wege M, Maier RF, Pedrosa Carrasco AJ. NEO-SPEAK: A conceptual framework that underpins breaking bad news in neonatology. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1044210. [PMID: 36440326 PMCID: PMC9681898 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1044210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breaking bad news in neonatology is a frequent and difficult challenge. Although there are guidelines for communicating with parents in pediatrics and neonatology, the specific framework for breaking bad news in neonatology has not been studied in more detail. Therefore, we aimed to identify determinants that are important for successful managing breaking bad news in neonatology from professionals' perspective and to develop a conceptual framework that underpins this challenging task. METHODS We conducted seventeen semi-structured interviews with senior neonatologists of six perinatal centers of the highest level of care in Germany. The transcripts were analyzed according to Mayring's method of qualitative content analysis using inductive and deductive coding. RESULTS Eight determinants of breaking bad news in neonatology could be identified from the interviews. From these, we developed the conceptual framework NEO-SPEAK. The first three determinants, Neonatal prognostic uncertainty, Encounter in (triangular-)partnerships, Organization and teamwork (NEO) are directly related to the specific care situation in neonatology, whereas the others, Situational stress, Processuality, Emotional burden, Attention to individuality, Knowledge and experience, play a role for difficult conversations in general, but are subject to special modifications in neonatology (SPEAK). In addition, the results show that the context in neonatology as well as reciprocal effects on the team and the individual level of the physicians are important influencing factors in breaking bad news. CONCLUSION On the one hand, the constitutional framework NEO-SPEAK shows which special aspects play a role in neonatology for the delivery of bad news, and on the other hand, it can help to identify and consider these aspects in clinical routine and training. Considering or reinforcing each NEO-SPEAK element when planning or delivering bad news may guide healthcare professionals through communication with parents of critically ill or premature newborns and support the resilience of the caring team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Seifart
- Faculty of Medicine, Dean's Office, Research Group Medical Ethics (AGEM), Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Mirjam Falch
- Faculty of Medicine, Dean's Office, Research Group Medical Ethics (AGEM), Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Mirjam Wege
- Children's Hospital, University Hospital of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rolf F Maier
- Faculty of Medicine, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anna J Pedrosa Carrasco
- Faculty of Medicine, Dean's Office, Research Group Medical Ethics (AGEM), Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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