1
|
Olsson MM, Windsor C, Chambers S, Green TL. A Scoping Review of End-of-Life Communication in International Palliative Care Guidelines for Acute Care Settings. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:425-437.e2. [PMID: 33276045 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT End-of-life communication in acute care settings can be challenging and many patients and families have reported low satisfaction with those conversations. OBJECTIVE To explore existing guidelines around palliative care to increase current understanding of end-of-life communication processes applicable to the acute care setting. METHODS A scoping review following the method of Arksey and O'Malley was undertaken to identify eligible documents and thematically summarize findings. Web sites of government authorities, departments, and ministries of health as well as palliative care organizations were searched as were MEDLINE, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute, and PsycINFO databases. Searches were limited to documents published between January 2009 and August 2019 that were nondisease specific and applicable to the acute care setting. RESULTS Thirteen guidelines from nine different countries were identified. Thematic analysis produced eight themes: 1) The purpose and process of end-of-life communications, 2) cognitive understanding and language in end-of-life communication, 3) legal aspects of end-of-life communication, 4) conflicts and barriers related to end-of-life care, 5) end-of-life communication related to medical record documentation, 6) healthcare professionals' responsibilities and collaboration, 7) education and training, and 8) policies, guidelines, and tools for end-of-life communications. CONCLUSIONS Palliative and end-of-life guidelines applicable to acute care settings outline the purpose of end-of-life communication and address how, when, and by whom such conversations are best initiated and facilitated. How guidelines are developed and what aspects of communications are included and emphasized may differ across countries related to role differences of physicians and nurses and national laws and regulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maja Magdalena Olsson
- Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Carol Windsor
- Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shirley Chambers
- Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Cancer & Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Theresa L Green
- Faculty of Health & Behavioural Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Metro North Hospital & Health Service, Surgical Treatment & Rehabilitation Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Price DM, Strodtman LK, Montagnini M, Smith HM, Ghosh B. Health Professionals Perceived Concerns and Challenges in Providing Palliative and End-of-Life Care: A Qualitative Analysis. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2018; 36:308-315. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909118812193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The Institute of Medicine identifies that quality palliative/end-of-life (EOL) care should be provided to patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses and their families by competently prepared health professionals. Purpose: This study assessed perceived concerns of health professionals pertaining to the delivery of palliative/EOL care in the hospital setting. The specific aim was to determine thematic concerns in the delivery of palliative/EOL care which emerged from respondents’ impressions of a memorable palliative/EOL patient experience. Methods: Interdisciplinary health professionals at a large academic health system in the Midwest were surveyed to reflect upon a memorable palliative/EOL life care patient situation (positive or negative). A Thematic Analysis approach was used to code qualitative responses to 4 open-ended questions and then extract themes and subthemes from the coded data. Results: Concerns identified by participants (N = 425) emerged around 7 themes including communication (97%), decision-making/care planning (75%), education needs (60%), EOL care (48%), ethics (24%), satisfaction with care (9%), and spiritual/cultural sensitivity (6%). Conclusion: Challenges exist in the delivery of quality palliative/EOL care in the hospital setting which may be addressed through educational initiatives that focus on recognition of cultural influences on care preferences, improving communication between patients/families and providers, education about the differences between palliative and EOL care, and increased competency of health providers in having EOL/goals-of-care discussions. Health professionals must recognize the benefit of collaborative palliative care in order to meet patient and family needs holistically and comprehensively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcos Montagnini
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, University of Michigan School, and Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Heather M. Smith
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, and VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Bidisha Ghosh
- University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
McAndrew NS, Leske JS. A Balancing Act: Experiences of Nurses and Physicians When Making End-of-Life Decisions in Intensive Care Units. Clin Nurs Res 2014; 24:357-74. [PMID: 24864319 DOI: 10.1177/1054773814533791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive study was to describe end-of-life decision-making experiences as understood by critical care nurses and physicians in intensive care units (ICUs). A purposive sample of seven nurses and four physicians from a large teaching hospital were interviewed. Grounded theory analysis revealed the core category of "end-of-life decision making as a balancing act." Three interacting subthemes were identified: emotional responsiveness, professional roles and responsibilities, and intentional communication and collaboration. Balancing factors included a team approach, shared goals, understanding the perspectives of those involved, and knowing your own beliefs. In contrast, feeling powerless, difficult family dynamics, and recognition of suffering caused an imbalance. When balance was achieved during end-of-life decision making, nurses and physicians described positive end-of-life experiences. The consequence of an imbalance during an end-of-life decision-making experience was moral distress. Practice recommendations include development of support interventions for nurses and physicians involved in end-of-life decision making and further research to test interventions aimed at improving communication and collaboration.
Collapse
|
4
|
Gott M, Ingleton C, Gardiner C, Richards N, Cobb M, Ryan T, Noble B, Bennett M, Seymour J, Ward S, Parker C. Transitions to palliative care for older people in acute hospitals: a mixed-methods study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2013. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr01110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundImproving the provision of palliative and end-of-life care is a priority for the NHS. Ensuring an appropriately managed ‘transition’ to a palliative approach for care when patients are likely to be entering the last year of life is central to current policy. Acute hospitals represent a significant site of palliative care delivery and specific guidance has been published regarding the management of palliative care transitions within this setting.Aims(1) to explore how transitions to a palliative care approach are managed and experienced in acute hospitals and to identify best practice from the perspective of clinicians and service users; (2) to examine the extent of potentially avoidable hospital admissions amongst hospital inpatients with palliative care needs.DesignA mixed-methods design was adopted in two hospitals in England, serving diverse patient populations. Methods included (1) two systematic reviews; (2) focus groups and interviews with 58 health-care professionals to explore barriers to, and facilitators of, palliative care transitions in hospital; (3) a hospital inpatient survey examining palliative care needs and aspects of management including a self-/proxy-completed questionnaire, a survey of medical and nursing staff and a case note review; (4) in-depth interviews with 15 patients with palliative care needs; (5) a retrospective case note review of all inpatients present in the hospital at the time of the survey who had died within the subsequent 12 months; and (6) focus groups with 83 key decision-makers to explore the implications of the findings for service delivery and policy.ResultsOf the 514 patients in the inpatient survey sample, just over one-third (n = 185, 36.0%) met one or more of the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) prognostic indicator criteria for palliative care needs. The most common GSF prognostic indicator was frailty, with almost one-third of patients (27%) meeting this criteria. Agreement between medical and nursing staff and the GSF with respect to identifying patients with palliative care needs was poor. In focus groups, health professionals reported difficulties in recognising that a patient had entered the last 12 months of life. In-depth interviews with patients found that many of those interviewed were unaware of their prognosis and showed little insight into what they could expect from the trajectory of their disease. The retrospective case note review found that 35 (7.2%) admissions were potentially avoidable. The potential annual cost saving across both hospitals of preventing these admissions was approximately £5.3M. However, a 2- or 3-day reduction in length of stay for these admissions would result in an annual cost saving of £21.6M or £32.4M respectively.ConclusionsPatients with palliative care needs represent a significant proportion of the hospital inpatient population. There is a significant gap between NHS policy regarding palliative and end-of-life care management in acute hospitals in England and current practice.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Gott
- School of Nursing, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - C Ingleton
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - C Gardiner
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - N Richards
- Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - M Cobb
- Directorate of Professional Services, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - T Ryan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - B Noble
- Department of Oncology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - M Bennett
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - J Seymour
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - S Ward
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - C Parker
- No affiliation (retired) – medical statistician
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lusardi P, Jodka P, Stambovsky M, Stadnicki B, Babb B, Plouffe D, Doubleday N, Pizlak Z, Walles K, Montonye M. The Going Home Initiative: Getting Critical Care Patients Home With Hospice. Crit Care Nurse 2011; 31:46-57. [DOI: 10.4037/ccn2011415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Although considerable effort is being directed at providing patients and their families with a “good death,” most patients in intensive care units, if given the choice, would prefer to die at home. With little guidance from the literature, the palliative care committee of an intensive care unit developed guidelines to get patients home from the intensive care unit to die. In the past few years, the unit has transferred many patients home with hospice care, much to the delight of their families. Although several obstacles to achieving this goal exist, the unit has achieved success in a small-scale implementation of its Going Home Initiative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Lusardi
- Paula Lusardi is a clinical nurse specialist in the adult intensive care unit, cochair of the intensive care unit’s palliative care committee, and director of nursing research at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Paul Jodka
- Paul Jodka is attending physician in the critical care division, director of anesthesia/critical care fellowship, and cochair of the intensive care unit’s palliative care committee at Baystate Medical Center and an assistant professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark Stambovsky
- Mark Stambovsky is a staff nurse in the intensive care unit at Baystate Medical Center
| | - Beth Stadnicki
- Beth Stadnicki is a staff nurse in the intensive care unit and cochair of the intensive care unit’s palliative care committee at Baystate Medical Center
| | - Betty Babb
- Betty Babb is a staff nurse in the intensive care unit at Baystate Medical Center
| | - Danielle Plouffe
- Danielle Plouffe is a staff nurse in the intensive care unit and cochair of the intensive care unit’s palliative care committee at Baystate Medical Center
| | - Nancy Doubleday
- Nancy Doubleday is an adult nurse practitioner with Baystate Medical Practices, Adult Medicine, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Zophia Pizlak
- Zophia Pizlak is a staff nurse in the intensive care unit at Baystate Medical Center
| | - Katherine Walles
- Katherine Walles is a staff nurse in the intensive care unit at Baystate Medical Center
| | - Martin Montonye
- Martin Montonye is the vice president of academic affairs at HealthCare Chaplaincy, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guay D, Michaud C, Mathieu L. De « bons soins » palliatifs aux soins intensifs : une perspective infirmière. Rech Soins Infirm 2011. [DOI: 10.3917/rsi.105.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
|
7
|
Hov R, Athlin E, Hedelin B. Being a nurse in nursing home for patients on the edge of life. Scand J Caring Sci 2009; 23:651-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-6712.2008.00656.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
8
|
Faith K, Chidwick P. Role of clinical ethicists in making decisions about levels of care in the intensive care unit. Crit Care Nurse 2009; 29:77-84. [PMID: 19339449 DOI: 10.4037/ccn2009285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Faith
- Clinical Ethics Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bach V, Ploeg J, Black M. Nursing Roles in End-of-Life Decision Making in Critical Care Settings. West J Nurs Res 2009; 31:496-512. [PMID: 19208850 DOI: 10.1177/0193945908331178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study used a grounded theory approach to formulate a conceptual framework of the nursing role in end-of-life decision making in a critical care setting. Fourteen nurses from an intensive care unit and cardio-respiratory care unit were interviewed. The core concept, Supporting the Journey, became evident in four major themes: Being There, A Voice to Speak Up, Enable Coming to Terms, and Helping to Let Go. Nurses described being present with patients and families to validate feelings and give emotional support. Nursing work, while bridging the journey between life and death, imparted strength and resilience and helped overcome barriers to ensure that patients received holistic care. The conceptual framework challenges nurses to be present with patients and families at the end of life, clarify and interpret information, and help families come to terms with end-of-life decisions and release their loved ones.
Collapse
|
10
|
Taylor B, Bewley J, Bulmer B, Fayers L, Hickey A, Hill L, Luxford C, McFarlane J, Stirling K. Getting it right under pressure: action research and reflection in palliative nursing. Int J Palliat Nurs 2008; 14:326-31. [PMID: 18959281 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2008.14.7.30618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This article describes a qualitative research project using a combination of reflection and action research. Eight experienced registered nurses identified their need to 'get it right under pressure' in their work in palliative care. Participants collaborated in generating and evaluating an action plan to enhance the likelihood of getting palliative nursing care right, under pressure, more often.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Taylor
- Department of Nursing and Health Care Practices, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Walling AM, Brown-Saltzman K, Barry T, Quan RJ, Wenger NS. Assessment of implementation of an order protocol for end-of-life symptom management. J Palliat Med 2008; 11:857-65. [PMID: 18715178 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2007.0268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Designing comfort care plans to treat symptoms at the end-of-life in the hospital is challenging. We evaluated the implementation of an inpatient end-of-life symptom management order (ESMO) protocol that guides the use of opiate medications and other modalities to provide palliation. METHODS Physicians and nurses caring for patients using the ESMO protocol were surveyed about care provided and their experiences. RESULTS Over 342 days, 127 patients (2.6 per week) were treated using the ESMO protocol and we surveyed a nurse and/or physician for 105 (83%) patients. Most patients were comatose, obtunded/stuperous, or disoriented when the ESMO protocol was initiated and most had a life expectancy of less than 1 day. One fourth of physicians felt that the protocol was instituted too late, principally citing family unwillingness to reorient toward comfort care. Providers reported that opiates were titrated appropriately, although a minority revealed discomfort with end-of-life opiate use. Nearly all clinicians found the ESMO protocol to be valuable. CONCLUSIONS A standardized protocol is a useful, but not fully sufficient, step toward improving care for dying hospitalized patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Walling
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
AIM To appraise literature concerning end-of-life care (ELC) in adult critical care units in the UK in order to improve clinical practice. OBJECTIVE To understand the interplay between legal and ethical, political, societal aspects of ELC for sustainable quality care. BACKGROUND Significant changes in health care policy for the critically ill patient have occurred since 1999. Simultaneously, the government is committed to improving care for the dying by integrating the palliative care ethos across the National Institutes of Health (NHS) to include non-cancer sufferers. Death continues to be a feature of critical illness, particularly following the decision to withhold/withdraw life-prolonging treatments. SEARCH STRATEGY A search of MEDLINE, BNI, CINAHL and PSYCinfo using key words revealed very few results; consequently, the search was broadened to include ASSIA, King's Fund, TRIP, Healthstar, NHS Economic Evaluation Data, Cochrane, professional journals and government documents. CONCLUSIONS The literature reveals a paradigm shift from critical to palliative care, in other words, from a reductionist approach to a more humanistic approach in the acute setting. When treatment is deemed futile, quality ELC involving the assessment, ongoing assessment and care after death becomes the new goal for the critical care team. To practice ELC competently, nurses require organizational and educational support at local and national levels. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Although medico-legal decision-making is not part of their professional role, critical care nurses have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference to the dying patient and their family and their acceptance of death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Morgan
- Critical Care, Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust, Colchester District General Hospital, Colchester, Essex, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Longden JV, Mayer APT. Family involvement in end-of-life care in a paediatric intensive care unit. Nurs Crit Care 2008; 12:181-7. [PMID: 17883599 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-5153.2007.00226.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
End-of-life care (ELC) on a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is a fundamental aspect of clinical practice and yet often remains a highly emotive and challenging issue. Every year, many children die in PICU often following the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, and as health professionals we have a duty to provide ELC that meets the needs of the dying child and their family. To achieve this, there is a growing emphasis on incorporating parental views on withdrawal of intensive care especially in time and place. Home care of the dying child enables the child to die at home in familiar surroundings and with the people who love them the most. This service is essentially child centred and acknowledges the unique and pivotal position that parents have in their child's life by empowering them to have control over the time and place of death. This is a vitally important aspect of end-of-life in PICU and underpins the ethos of this area of practice. We present a series of case reviews of patients cared for within a 12-month period, where intensive care was withdrawn distant from the PICU environment and address the challenges and considerations surrounding this area of practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer V Longden
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
The Baby Doe rules, a set of federal regulations on the treatment of extremely ill infants, went into effect in 1985. Some scholars have argued that these rules are inappropriate given that they fail to pay attention to the patient's suffering. Instead, researchers suggest that, when dealing with a severely impaired infant, the best-interest standard be used. Other ethicists have found the best-interest standard also insufficient, deeming it to be supported by weak arguments rooted on the beholder's beliefs. In this article, alternative viewpoints that might be used to complement the best-interest standard and help support the rights of severely impaired infants to a natural and dignified death are reviewed. The use of palliative instead of intensive care for severely impaired newborns is also considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Weisleder
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fridh I, Forsberg A, Bergbom I. End-of-life care in intensive care units ? family routines and environmental factors. Scand J Caring Sci 2007; 21:25-31. [PMID: 17428211 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-6712.2007.00470.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe family care routines and to explore environmental factors when patients die in Swedish intensive care units (ICUs). The main research questions were: what are the physical environmental circumstances and facilities when caring for patients in end-of-life and are there any routines or guidelines when caring for dying patients and their families? A questionnaire was sent to 79 eligible Swedish ICUs in December 2003, addressed to the unit managers. The response rate was 94% (n = 74 units). The findings show that, despite recommendations highlighting the importance of privacy for dying ICU patients and their families, only 11% of the respondents stated that patients never died in shared rooms in their ICU. If a patient dies in a shared room, nurses strive to ensure a dignified goodbye by moving the body to an empty room or to one specially designated for this purpose. The majority (76%) of the units had waiting rooms within the ICU. The study also revealed that there is a need for improvements in the follow-up routines for bereaved families. Many units reported (51%) that they often or almost always offer a follow-up visit, although in most cases the bereaved family had to initiate the follow-up by contacting the ICU. Guidelines in the area of end-of-life care were used by 25% of the ICUs. Further research is necessary to acquire a deeper knowledge of the circumstances under which patients die in ICUs and what impact the ICU environment has on bereaved families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabell Fridh
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pattison N. A critical discourse analysis of provision of end-of-life care in key UK critical care documents. Nurs Crit Care 2006; 11:198-208. [PMID: 16869526 DOI: 10.1111/j.1362-1017.2006.00172.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This article highlights certain practical and professional difficulties in providing end-of-life (EOL) care for patients in critical care units and explores discourses arising from guidelines for critical care services. BACKGROUND A significant number of patients die in critical care after decisions to withdraw or withhold treatment. Guidelines for provision of critical care suggest, wherever possible, moving patients out of critical care at the EOL. This may not necessarily be conducive to a 'good death' for patients or their loved ones. There is a moral responsibility for both nurses and doctors to ensure that decision-making around EOL issues is sensitively implemented, that decisions about care includes families, patients when able, nurses and doctors, and that good EOL care is provided. METHODS A critical discourse analysis (CDA) of four key UK critical care documents published since 1996. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The key documents give little clear guidance about how to provide EOL care in critical care. Discourses include the power dynamic in critical care between professions, families and patients, and how this impacts on provision of EOL care. Difficulties encountered include dilemmas at discharge and paternalism in decision-making. The technological environment can act as a barrier to good EOL care, and critical care nurses are at risk of assuming the dominant medical model of care. Nurses, however, are in a prime position to ensure that decision-making is an inclusive process, patient needs are paramount, the practical aspects of withdrawal lead to a smooth transition in goals of care and that comfort measures are implemented.
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Nurses working in the head and neck oncology field will be conscious of the possible risk of carotid artery rupture in their patients. This complication occurs swiftly and the patient requires the nurse to rapidly change focus from acute care and cure to palliative care and comfort. Prior decisions need to be made as to whether or not active resuscitation is to be undertaken. In this final article, the ethical issues surrounding this decision-making process are discussed, including patient autonomy, advocacy, beneficence and justice. The facts as they relate to each individual patient should be discussed truthfully and openly with them and their significant others. Each person should be assisted to come to his own decision, following discussion of the prognosis and risks that are pertinent to that individual. Respect for the autonomy of patients should be a guiding principle governing the conduct of decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Frawley
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Dublin Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
End-of-Life Care Obstacles and Facilitators in the Critical Care Units of a Community Hospital. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2006. [DOI: 10.1097/00129191-200603000-00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
19
|
Abstract
The decision to limit care for critically ill intensive care patients is not uncommon, and most deaths in the intensive care unit are now preceded by do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, which are regarded by some as a way to make death more humane and respect patient autonomy. When a patient receives a poor diagnosis the family needs to discuss the medical care and respect the patient's wishes. Many relatives hesitate to discuss these issues, because they wish to avoid discussing the idea of death or any serious change to the patient's condition. This article aims to address DNR orders and discuss the mechanisms available to achieve a good death for patients and their relatives, instead of enduring a distressing and undignified end.
Collapse
|