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Wilson E, Palmer J, Armstrong A, Messer B, Presswood E, Faull C. End of life decision making when home mechanical ventilation is used to sustain breathing in Motor Neurone Disease: patient and family perspectives. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:115. [PMID: 38698397 PMCID: PMC11064348 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01443-1] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor Neurone Disease (MND) leads to muscle weakening, affecting movement, speech, and breathing. Home mechanical ventilation, particularly non-invasive ventilation (NIV), is used to alleviate symptoms and support breathing in people living with MND. While home mechanical ventilation can alleviate symptoms and improve survival, it does not slow the progression of MND. This study addresses gaps in understanding end-of-life decision-making in those dependent on home mechanical ventilation, considering the perspectives of patients, family members, and bereaved families. METHODS A UK-wide qualitative study using flexible interviews to explore the experiences of people living with MND (n = 16), their family members (n = 10), and bereaved family members (n = 36) about the use of home mechanical ventilation at the end of life. RESULTS Some participants expressed a reluctance to discuss end-of-life decisions, often framed as a desire to "live for the day" due to the considerable uncertainty faced by those with MND. Participants who avoided end-of-life discussions often engaged in 'selective decision-making' related to personal planning, involving practical and emotional preparations. Many faced challenges in hypothesising about future decisions given the unpredictability of the disease, opting to make 'timely decisions' as and when needed. For those who became dependent on ventilation and did not want to discuss end of life, decisions were often 'defaulted' to others, especially once capacity was lost. 'Proactive decisions', including advance care planning and withdrawal of treatment, were found to empower some patients, providing a sense of control over the timing of their death. A significant proportion lacked a clear understanding of the dying process and available options. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the complexity and evolution of decision-making, often influenced by the dynamic and uncertain nature of MND. The study emphasises the need for a nuanced understanding of decision-making in the context of MND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Wilson
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Jonathan Palmer
- University Hospitals, University Hospitals NHS Trust Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Alison Armstrong
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ben Messer
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Howard AF, Crowe S, Choroszewski L, Kovatch J, Kelly M, Haljan G. When chronic critical illness is a family affair: A multi-perspective qualitative study of family involvement in long-term care. Chronic Illn 2023; 19:804-816. [PMID: 36426509 PMCID: PMC10655697 DOI: 10.1177/17423953221141134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Those with chronic critical illness (CCI) remain dependent on life-sustaining treatments and increasingly reside in long-term care facilities equipped to meet their needs. The nature of family involvement in care remains undetermined thwarting approaches to mitigate poor family outcomes. The research objective was to explicate family involvement in the care of an individual with CCI who resides in long-term care. METHODS In this qualitative research, we used thematic analysis and constant comparative techniques to analyze data from interviews with 38 participants: 11 family members, 6 residents with CCI, and 21 healthcare providers. RESULTS Involvement in care entailed family: (1) reorienting their life despite the stress and emotional toll; (2) assuming responsibility for meaningful activities and management of practical matters, yet struggling alone; (3) advocating for care by being present, reminding and pushing, and picking their battles; and (4) figuring out how to contribute to nursing care, but with unclear expectations. DISCUSSION The burden of family caregiving was substantial, contrasting the assumption that family are relieved of their caregiver responsibilities when the patient with CCI is in a care facility. Research to address unmet family needs specific to their roles and responsibilities could potentially improve family outcomes and is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fuchsia Howard
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah Crowe
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Critical Care, Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Laura Choroszewski
- Department of Critical Care, Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joe Kovatch
- Department of Critical Care, Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mary Kelly
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gregory Haljan
- Department of Critical Care, Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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van Eenennaam RM, Rave N, Kruithof WJ, Kruitwagen-van Reenen ET, van den Berg LH, Visser-Meily JA, Beelen A. Control in the absence of choice: A qualitative study on decision-making about gastrostomy in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290508. [PMID: 37682899 PMCID: PMC10490981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrostomy is recommended in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for long-term nutritional support, however, people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and healthcare professionals perceive decision-making as complex. METHOD To explore their perspectives on decision-making regarding gastrostomy, we used semi-structured interviews with people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, who had made a decision, and their caregivers; healthcare professionals were interviewed separately. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically. RESULTS In 14 cases, 13 people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and 12 caregivers were interviewed; and in 10 of these cases, 5 healthcare professionals. Participants described decision-making on gastrostomy as a continuous process of weighing (future) clinical need against their values and beliefs in coming to a decision to accept or reject gastrostomy, or to postpone decision-making, while being supported by loved ones and healthcare professionals. Participants described gastrostomy as inevitable, but retained agency through control over the timing of decision-making. They said physical necessity, experiences of loss and identity, and expectations about gastrostomy placement were important factors in decision-making. Decision-making was described as a family affair, with caregivers supporting patient choice. healthcare professionals supported people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis during the decision-making process and respected their autonomy and values. People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis stressed the importance of adequate information on the procedure and the benefits. CONCLUSION People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis feel in control of decision-making on gastrostomy if they are able to make their own choice at their own pace, supported by loved ones and healthcare professionals. Person-centered decision-making on gastrostomy requires early information exchange and repeated discussions with people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their caregivers, incorporating their values and respecting patient choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remko M. van Eenennaam
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Neele Rave
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke J. Kruithof
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther T. Kruitwagen-van Reenen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard H. van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna A. Visser-Meily
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anita Beelen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Jack SM, Orr E, Campbell KA, Whitmore C, Cammer A. A framework for selecting data generation strategies in qualitative health research studies. J Hum Nutr Diet 2023; 36:1480-1495. [PMID: 36617529 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13134] [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: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Qualitative health research has the potential to answer important applied health research questions to inform nutrition and dietetics practice, education and policy. Qualitative health research is a distinct subdiscipline of qualitative inquiry that purposefully draws upon the context of healthcare and emphasises health and wellness. METHODS Qualitative health research is defined by two parameters: (1) the focus of the study and (2) the methods used. When considering the methods to be used, decisions are required about the type of data to be generated (e.g., transcripts, images and notes) and the process involved in data generation (e.g., interviews, elicitation strategies and observations) to answer the research question(s). Drawing upon examples from nutrition and dietetics literature, this paper provides a framework to support decision-making for nutrition and dietetics researchers and clinician researchers designing conducting qualitative health research. RESULTS The guiding questions of the framework include: What types of data will be generated? Who is involved in data generation? Where will data generation occur? When will data generation occur? How will data be recorded and managed? and How will participants' and researchers' emotional safety be promoted? CONCLUSION Questions about the types of data, those involved, where and when, as well as how safety can be maintained in data generation, not only support a more robust design and description of data generation methods but also keep the person at the centre of the research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Jack
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Orr
- Department of Nursing, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Carly Whitmore
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allison Cammer
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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McAuliffe C, Slemon A, Goodyear T, McGuinness L, Shaffer E, Jenkins EK. Connectedness in the time of COVID-19: Reddit as a source of support for coping with suicidal thinking. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2022; 2:100062. [PMID: 35224533 PMCID: PMC8856747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is adversely impacting suicidality at a population level, with consequences resulting from a variety of pandemic-driven disruptions, including social activities and connectedness. This paper uses a single case study design to explore how members of the Reddit r/COVID19_support community create a sense of connectedness among those who have suicidal thoughts due to the pandemic. Data were gathered from posts to the r/COVID19_support subreddit forum from February 2020 through December 2020. The second step of Klonsky and May's (2015) Three-Step Theory (3ST) of suicide, connectedness as a key protective factor, was used as the theoretical framework. This study explored r/COVID19_support's constructed environment, users' dialogical interactions, and the four primary tenets of connectedness as proposed by Klonsky and May - Purpose and Meaning, Relationships, Religiosity, and Employment. Findings demonstrate a deep sense of connectedness for online community members. Relationships and Purpose and Meaning featured as the most salient sources of connectedness within this subreddit, whereas Religiosity was rarely discussed, and Employment was often spoken of in negative terms (i.e., creating mental distress, rather than facilitating connectedness). Contributors' responses offered various opportunities for connectedness both on- and off-line. Safe online spaces, such as r/COVID19_support, can serve as a protective factor amid suicidality, facilitating connectedness, and thereby helping to curtail suicidal thoughts from advancing to suicidal actions. This subreddit and similar online spaces can benefit specific populations who may otherwise find it challenging to access services or who wish to remain anonymous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey McAuliffe
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Allie Slemon
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Trevor Goodyear
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2B5, Canada,British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Liza McGuinness
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Shaffer
- Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre, University of British Columbia, 1985 Learners' Walk, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Emily K. Jenkins
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2B5, Canada,Corresponding author
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Paynter C, Mathers S, Gregory H, Vogel AP, Cruice M. Using the Concept of Health Literacy to Understand How People Living with Motor Neurone Disease and Carers Engage in Healthcare: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081371. [PMID: 35893192 PMCID: PMC9330690 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing body of information-seeking and decision-making literature in motor neurone disease (MND) has not yet explored the impact of health literacy. Health literacy relates to the skills people have to access, understand, and use health information and is influenced by motivation to engage with healthcare. We aimed to better understand how people affected by MND engage in healthcare by examining longitudinal interview data using the construct of health literacy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 persons living with MND and 15 carers recruited from a specialist MND clinic using maximum variation sampling. Transcripts were deductively coded using a framework of health literacy behaviours. The analysis used a matrix-based approach for thematic analysis of longitudinal data. People living with MND and carers sought nuanced information dependent on their priorities and attitudes. Information uptake was influenced by perceived relevancy and changed over time. Time allowed opportunity to reflect on and understand the significance of information provided. The findings indicate that persons living with MND and carers benefit when information and consultations are adapted to meet their communication needs. The results highlight the potential benefits of gaining an early understanding of and accommodating the communication needs, personal preferences, and emotional readiness for information for persons living with MND and their carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Paynter
- Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, University of Melbourne, 550 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Susan Mathers
- Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, 152 Como Parade West, Parkdale, VIC 3195, Australia; (S.M.); (H.G.)
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Heidi Gregory
- Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, 152 Como Parade West, Parkdale, VIC 3195, Australia; (S.M.); (H.G.)
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, 5 Arnold Street, Box Hill, VIC 3128, Australia
| | - Adam P. Vogel
- Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, University of Melbourne, 550 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Redenlab, 585 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Madeline Cruice
- School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, Northamptom Square, London EC1V 0HB, UK;
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