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Wu YL, Lin TW, Yang CY, Wang SSC, Huang SJ. Urban people's preferences for life-sustaining treatment or artificial nutrition and hydration in advance decisions. BMC Med Ethics 2024; 25:59. [PMID: 38762493 PMCID: PMC11102251 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-024-01060-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Patient Right to Autonomy Act (PRAA), implemented in Taiwan in 2019, enables the creation of advance decisions (AD) through advance care planning (ACP). This legal framework allows for the withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (LST) or artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) in situations like irreversible coma, vegetative state, severe dementia, or unbearable pain. This study aims to investigate preferences for LST or ANH across various clinical conditions, variations in participant preferences, and factors influencing these preferences among urban residents. METHODS Employing a survey of legally structured AD documents and convenience sampling for data collection, individuals were enlisted from Taipei City Hospital, serving as the primary trial and demonstration facility for ACP in Taiwan since the commencement of the PRAA in its inaugural year. The study examined ADs and ACP consultation records, documenting gender, age, welfare entitlement, disease conditions, family caregiving experience, location of ACP consultation, participation of second-degree relatives, and the intention to participate in ACP. RESULTS Data from 2337 participants were extracted from electronic records. There was high consistency in the willingness to refuse LST and ANH, with significant differences noted between terminal diseases and extremely severe dementia. Additionally, ANH was widely accepted as a time-limited treatment, and there was a prevalent trend of authorizing a health care agent (HCA) to make decisions on behalf of participants. Gender differences were observed, with females more inclined to decline LST and ANH, while males tended towards accepting full or time-limited treatment. Age also played a role, with younger participants more open to treatment and authorizing HCA, and older participants more prone to refusal. CONCLUSION Diverse preferences in LST and ANH were shaped by the public's current understanding of different clinical states, gender, age, and cultural factors. Our study reveals nuanced end-of-life preferences, evolving ADs, and socio-demographic influences. Further research could explore evolving preferences over time and healthcare professionals' perspectives on LST and ANH decisions for neurological patients..
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ling Wu
- Master's Program of Transition and Leisure Education for Individuals With Disabilities, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Wen Lin
- National Academy Educational Research, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yi Yang
- Department of Social Work, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Health and Welfare, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Sheng-Jean Huang
- Department of Surgery, Medical College, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Fong C, Kueh WL, Lew SJW, Ho BCH, Wong YL, Lau YH, Chia YW, Tan HL, Seet YHC, Siow WT, MacLaren G, Agrawal R, Lim TJ, Lim SL, Lim TW, Ho VK, Soh CR, Sewa DW, Loo CM, Khan FA, Tan CK, Gokhale RS, Siau C, Lim NLSH, Yim CF, Venkatachalam J, Venkatesan K, Chia NCH, Liew MF, Li G, Li L, Myat SM, Zena Z, Zhuo S, Yueh LL, Tan CSF, Ma J, Yeo SL, Chan YH, Phua J. Predictors and outcomes of withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments in intensive care units in Singapore: a multicentre observational study. J Intensive Care 2024; 12:13. [PMID: 38528556 DOI: 10.1186/s40560-024-00725-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical practice guidelines on limitation of life-sustaining treatments (LST) in the intensive care unit (ICU), in the form of withholding or withdrawal of LST, state that there is no ethical difference between the two. Such statements are not uniformly accepted worldwide, and there are few studies on LST limitation in Asia. This study aimed to evaluate the predictors and outcomes of withholding and withdrawal of LST in Singapore, focusing on the similarities and differences between the two approaches. METHODS This was a multicentre observational study of patients admitted to 21 adult ICUs across 9 public hospitals in Singapore over an average of three months per year from 2014 to 2019. The primary outcome measures were withholding and withdrawal of LST (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, invasive mechanical ventilation, and vasopressors/inotropes). The secondary outcome measure was hospital mortality. Multivariable generalised mixed model analysis was used to identify independent predictors for withdrawal and withholding of LST and if LST limitation predicts hospital mortality. RESULTS There were 8907 patients and 9723 admissions. Of the former, 80.8% had no limitation of LST, 13.0% had LST withheld, and 6.2% had LST withdrawn. Common independent predictors for withholding and withdrawal were increasing age, absence of chronic kidney dialysis, greater dependence in activities of daily living, cardiopulmonary resuscitation before ICU admission, higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, and higher level of care in the first 24 h of ICU admission. Additional predictors for withholding included being of Chinese race, the religions of Hinduism and Islam, malignancy, and chronic liver failure. The additional predictor for withdrawal was lower hospital paying class (with greater government subsidy for hospital bills). Hospital mortality in patients without LST limitation, with LST withholding, and with LST withdrawal was 10.6%, 82.1%, and 91.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). Withholding (odds ratio 13.822, 95% confidence interval 9.987-19.132) and withdrawal (odds ratio 38.319, 95% confidence interval 24.351-60.298) were both found to be independent predictors of hospital mortality on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS Differences in the independent predictors of withholding and withdrawal of LST exist. Even after accounting for baseline characteristics, both withholding and withdrawal of LST independently predict hospital mortality. Later mortality in patients who had LST withdrawn compared to withholding suggests that the decision to withdraw may be at the point when medical futility is recognised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Fong
- FAST and Chronic Programmes, Alexandra Hospital, 378 Alexandra Road, Singapore, 159964, Singapore.
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
| | - Wern Lunn Kueh
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Sennen Jin Wen Lew
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Choon Heng Ho
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Yu-Lin Wong
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Yie Hui Lau
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Yew Woon Chia
- Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Department of Cardiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Hui Ling Tan
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Ying Hao Christopher Seet
- Department of Neurology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Wen Ting Siow
- FAST and Chronic Programmes, Alexandra Hospital, 378 Alexandra Road, Singapore, 159964, Singapore
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Graeme MacLaren
- Cardiothoracic ICU, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, National University Heart Centre, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Rohit Agrawal
- Department of Anaesthesia, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Tian Jin Lim
- Department of Anaesthesia, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Shir Lynn Lim
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Pre-Hospital and Emergency Research Center, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Rd, Singapore, 16985, Singapore
| | - Toon Wei Lim
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Vui Kian Ho
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Sengkang General Hospital, 110 Sengkang East Way, Singapore, 544886, Singapore
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Chai Rick Soh
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Duu Wen Sewa
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Chian Min Loo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Faheem Ahmed Khan
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, 1 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore, 609606, Singapore
| | - Chee Keat Tan
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, 1 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore, 609606, Singapore
| | - Roshni Sadashiv Gokhale
- Department of Intensive Care, Changi General Hospital, 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore, 529889, Singapore
| | - Chuin Siau
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changi General Hospital, 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore, 529889, Singapore
| | - Noelle Louise Siew Hua Lim
- Department of Anaesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care, Changi General Hospital, 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore, 529889, Singapore
| | - Chik-Foo Yim
- Department of Women's Anaesthesia, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
| | - Jonathen Venkatachalam
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Singapore, 768828, Singapore
| | - Kumaresh Venkatesan
- Department of Anaesthesia, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Singapore, 768828, Singapore
| | - Naville Chi Hock Chia
- Department of Anaesthesia, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Singapore, 768828, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, 11 Mandalay Rd, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Mei Fong Liew
- FAST and Chronic Programmes, Alexandra Hospital, 378 Alexandra Road, Singapore, 159964, Singapore
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Guihong Li
- Department of Intensive Care Unit Operations, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Li Li
- Department of Intensive Care Unit Operations, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Su Mon Myat
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Zena Zena
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Shuling Zhuo
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, 1 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore, 609606, Singapore
| | - Ling Ling Yueh
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, 1 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore, 609606, Singapore
| | - Caroline Shu Fang Tan
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Sengkang General Hospital, 110 Sengkang East Way, Singapore, 544886, Singapore
| | - Jing Ma
- Division of Nursing, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
| | - Siew Lian Yeo
- Division of Nursing, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
| | - Yiong Huak Chan
- Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Jason Phua
- FAST and Chronic Programmes, Alexandra Hospital, 378 Alexandra Road, Singapore, 159964, Singapore
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
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Chang SO, Kim D, Cho YS, Oh Y. Care of patients undergoing withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments: an ICU nurse perspective. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:153. [PMID: 38439003 PMCID: PMC10910717 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-01801-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses working in South Korea report experiencing uncertainty about how to care for patients undergoing withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments (WLT). A lack of consensus on care guidelines for patients with WLT contributes to uncertainty, ambiguity, and confusion on how to act appropriately within current law and social and ethical norms. To date, little has been discussed or described about how ICU nurses construct meaning about their roles in caring for dying patients in the context of wider social issues about end-of-life care and how this meaning interacts with the ICU system structure and national law. We aimed to better understand how ICU nurses view themselves professionally and how their perceived roles are enabled and/or limited by the current healthcare system in South Korea and by social and ethical norms. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study was conducted using in-depth, semi-structured interviews and discourse analysis using Gee's Tools of Inquiry. Purposive sampling was used to recruit ICU nurses (n = 20) who could provide the most insightful information on caring for patients undergoing WLT in the ICU. The interviews were conducted between December 2021 and February 2022 in three university hospitals in South Korea. RESULTS We identified four categories of discourses: (1) both "left hanging" or feeling abandoned ICU nurses and patients undergoing WLT; (2) socially underdeveloped conversations about death and dying management; (3) attitudes of legal guardians and physicians toward the dying process of patients with WLT; and (4) provision of end-of-life care according to individual nurses' beliefs in their nursing values. CONCLUSION ICU nurses reported having feelings of ambiguity and confusion about their professional roles and identities in caring for dying patients undergoing WLT. This uncertainty may limit their positive contributions to a dignified dying process. We suggest that one way to move forward is for ICU administrators and physicians to respond more sensitively to ICU nurses' discourses. Additionally, social policy and healthcare system leaders should focus on issues that enable and limit the dignified end-of-life processes of patients undergoing WLT. Doing so may improve nurses' understanding of their professional roles and identities as caretakers for dying patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Ok Chang
- College of Nursing and BK21 FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dayeong Kim
- College of Nursing and BK21 FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Sung Cho
- Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Younjae Oh
- College of Nursing and Research Institute of Nursing Science, Hallym University, Hallymdaehakgil 1, 24252, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.
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Lee SI, Ju YR, Kang DH, Lee JE. Characteristics and outcomes of patients with do-not-resuscitate and physician orders for life-sustaining treatment in a medical intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:42. [PMID: 38355511 PMCID: PMC10868112 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01375-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the intensive care unit (ICU), we may encounter patients who have completed a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) or a Physician Orders to Stop Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) document. However, the characteristics of ICU patients who choose DNR/POLST are not well understood. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the electronic medical records of 577 patients admitted to a medical ICU from October 2019 to November 2020, focusing on the characteristics of patients according to whether they completed DNR/POLST documents. Patients were categorized into DNR/POLST group and no DNR/POLST group according to whether they completed DNR/POLST documents, and logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors influencing DNR/POLST document completion. RESULTS A total of 577 patients were admitted to the ICU. Of these, 211 patients (36.6%) had DNR or POLST records. DNR and/or POLST were completed prior to ICU admission in 48 (22.7%) patients. The DNR/POLST group was older (72.9 ± 13.5 vs. 67.6 ± 13.8 years, p < 0.001) and had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (26.1 ± 9.2 vs. 20.3 ± 7.7, p < 0.001) and clinical frailty scale (5.1 ± 1.4 vs. 4.4 ± 1.4, p < 0.001) than the other groups. Solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and chronic lung disease were the most common comorbidities in the DNR/POLST groups. The DNR/POLST group had higher ICU and in-hospital mortality and more invasive treatments (arterial line, central line, renal replacement therapy, invasive mechanical ventilation) than the other groups. Body mass index, APAHCE II score, hematologic malignancy, DNR/POLST were factors associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS Among ICU patients, 36.6% had DNR or POLST orders and received more invasive treatments. This is contrary to the common belief that DNR/POLST patients would receive less invasive treatment and underscores the need to better understand and include end-of-life care as an important ongoing aspect of patient care, along with communication with patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-I Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, 282 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye-Rin Ju
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, 282 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Hyun Kang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, 282 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, 282 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea.
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Tsai SF, Chang CY, Yang JY, Ho YY, Hsiao CC, Hsu SC, Chen SY, Lin HY, Yeh TF, Chen CH. Exploring knowledge, attitude, and intention towards advance care planning, advance directive, and the patient self-determination act among hemodialysis patients. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:201. [PMID: 38097993 PMCID: PMC10720199 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01321-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemodialysis holds the highest incidence and prevalence rate in Taiwan globally. However, the implementation of advance care planning (ACP), advance directives (AD), and patient self-determination acts (PSDA) remains limited. Our objective was to examine the current status of ACP, AD and PSDA and potential opportunities for enhancement. METHODS We developed a novel questionnaire to assess individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and intentions regarding ACP, AD, and PSDA. We also collected baseline characteristics and additional inquiries for correlation analysis to identify potential factors. Student's t-test and Analysis of Variance were employed to assess significance. RESULTS Initially, a cohort of 241 patients was initially considered for inclusion in this study. Subsequently, 135 patients agreed to participate in the questionnaire study, resulting in 129 valid questionnaires. Among these respondents, 76 were male (59.9%), and 53 were female (41.1%). Only 13.2% had signed AD. A significant portion (85.3%) indicated that they had not discussed their dialysis prognosis with healthcare providers. Additionally, a mere 14% engaged in conversations about life-threatening decisions. Ninety percent believed that healthcare providers had not furnished information about ACP, and only 30% had discussed such choices with their families. The findings revealed that the average standardized score for ACP and AD goals was 84.97, while the attitude towards PSDA received a standardized score of 69.94. The intention score stood at 69.52 in standardized terms. Potential candidates for ACP initiation included individuals aged 50 to 64, possessing at least a college education, being unmarried, and having no history of diabetes. CONCLUSION Patients undergoing hemodialysis exhibited a significant knowledge gap concerning ACP, AD, and the PSDA. Notably, a substantial number of dialytic patients had not received adequate information on these subjects. Nevertheless, they displayed a positive attitude, and a considerable proportion expressed a willingness to sign AD. It is imperative for nephrologists to take an active role in initiating ACP discussions with patients from the very beginning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Feng Tsai
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, 160, Sec. 3, Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung, 407, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yi Chang
- Department of Nursing, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Yi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ying Ho
- Department of Nursing, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ching Hsiao
- Department of Nursing, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chuan Hsu
- Department of Nursing, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yun Chen
- Department of Nursing, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Huan-Yi Lin
- Department of Nursing, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Te-Feng Yeh
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsu Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, 160, Sec. 3, Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung, 407, Taiwan.
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Ph.D. Program in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Rubin EB, Robinson EM, Cremens MC, McCoy TH, Courtwright AM. Declining to Provide or Continue Requested Life-Sustaining Treatment: Experience With a Hospital Resolving Conflict Policy. Bioethical Inquiry 2023; 20:457-466. [PMID: 37380828 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-023-10270-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
In 2015, the major critical care societies issued guidelines outlining a procedural approach to resolving intractable conflict between healthcare professionals and surrogates over life-sustaining treatments (LST). We report our experience with a resolving conflict procedure. This was a retrospective, single-centre cohort study of ethics consultations involving intractable conflict over LST. The resolving conflict process was initiated eleven times for ten patients over 2,015 ethics consultations from 2000 to 2020. In all cases, the ethics committee recommended withdrawal of the contested LST. In seven cases, the patient died or was transferred or a legal injunction was obtained before completion of the process. In the four cases in which LST was withdrawn, the time from ethics consultation to withdrawal of LST was 24.8 ± 12.2 days. Healthcare provider and surrogate were often distressed during the process, sometimes resulting in escalation of conflict and legal action. In some cases, however, surrogates appeared relieved that they did not have to make the final decision regarding LST. Challenges regarding implementation included the time needed for process completion and limited usefulness in emergent situations. Although it is feasible to implement a due process approach to conflict over LST, there are factors that limit the procedure's usefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily B Rubin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Bullfinch Building, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Ellen M Robinson
- Optimum Care Committee, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Patient Care Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Cornelia Cremens
- Optimum Care Committee, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas H McCoy
- Optimum Care Committee, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Jhang H, Jeong W, Zhang HS, Choi DW, Kang H, Park S. The effects of hospice care on healthcare expenditure among cancer patients. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:831. [PMID: 37550691 PMCID: PMC10405473 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09578-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE It is necessary to estimate the hospice usage and hospice-related cost for entire cancer patients using nationwide cohort data to establish a suitable ethical and cultural infrastructure. This study aims to show the effects of hospital hospice care on healthcare expenditure among South Korean cancer patients. METHODS This study is a retrospective cohort study using customized health information data provided by the National Health Insurance Service. Individuals who were diagnosed with stomach, colorectal, or lung cancer between 2003 and 2012 were defined as new cancer patients, which included 7,176 subjects. Patients who died under hospital-based hospice care during the follow-up period from January 2016 to December 2018 comprised the treatment group. Healthcare expenditure was the dependent variable. Generalized estimating equations was used. RESULTS Among the subjects, 2,219 (30.9%) had used hospice care at an average total cost of 948,771 (± 3,417,384) won. Individuals who had used hospice care had a lower odds ratio (EXP(β)) of healthcare expenditure than those who did not (Total cost: EXP(β) = 0.27, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.25-0.30; Hospitalization cost: EXP(β) = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.29-0.35; Outpatient cost: EXP(β) = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.02-0.02). CONCLUSION Healthcare expenditure was reduced among those cancer patients in South Korea who used hospice care compared with among those who did not. This emphasizes the importance of using hospice care and encourages those hesitant to use hospice care. The results provide useful insights into both official policy and the existing practices of healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoyol Jhang
- Department of Health Informatics & Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonjeong Jeong
- Cancer Knowledge & Information Center, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Soo Zhang
- Department of Health Informatics & Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Woo Choi
- Cancer Big Data Center, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejung Kang
- Department of Health Informatics & Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohee Park
- Department of Health Informatics & Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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Im HS, Lee I, Kim S, Lee JS, Kim JH, Moon JY, Park BK, Lee KH, Lee MA, Han S, Hong Y, Kim H, Cheon J, Koh SJ. Experience and perspectives of end-of-life care discussion and physician orders for life-sustaining treatment of Korea (POLST-K): a cross-sectional study. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:18. [PMID: 36882795 PMCID: PMC9993746 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00897-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify the healthcare providers' experience and perspectives toward end-of-life care decisions focusing on end-of-life discussion and physician's order of life-sustaining treatment documentation in Korea which are major parts of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Act. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire developed by the authors. A total of 474 subjects-94 attending physicians, 87 resident physicians, and 293 nurses-participated in the survey, and the data analysis was performed in terms of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation using the SPSS 24.0 program. RESULTS Study results showed that respondents were aware of terminal illness and physician's order of life-sustaining treatment in Korea well enough except for some details. Physicians reported uncertainty in terminal state diagnosis and disease trajectory as the most challenging. Study participants regarded factors (related to relationships and communications) on the healthcare providers' side as the major impediment to end-of-life discussion. Study respondents suggested that simplification of the process and more staff are required to facilitate end-of-life discussion and documentation. CONCLUSION Based on the study results, adequate education and training for better end-of-life discussion are required for future practice. Also, a simple and clear procedure for completing a physician's order of life-sustaining treatment in Korea should be prepared and legal and ethical advice would be required. Since the enactment of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Act, several revisions already have been made including disease categories, thus continuous education to update and support clinicians is also called for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon-Su Im
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan University College of Medicine, 877, Bangeojinsunhwando-ro, Dong-gu, Ulsan, 44033, Republic of Korea
| | - Insook Lee
- Department of Nursing, Changwon National University, 20 Changwon daehak-ro, Uichang-gu, Changwon, 51140, Republic of Korea.
| | - Shinmi Kim
- Department of Nursing, Changwon National University, 20 Changwon daehak-ro, Uichang-gu, Changwon, 51140, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Soo Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Ju-Hee Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan University College of Medicine, 877, Bangeojinsunhwando-ro, Dong-gu, Ulsan, 44033, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Young Moon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Byung Kyu Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Myung Ah Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sanghoon Han
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Yoonki Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Kangwon National University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hyeyeoung Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan University College of Medicine, 877, Bangeojinsunhwando-ro, Dong-gu, Ulsan, 44033, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaekyung Cheon
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Su-Jin Koh
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan University College of Medicine, 877, Bangeojinsunhwando-ro, Dong-gu, Ulsan, 44033, Republic of Korea.
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Tuesen LD, Bülow HH, Ågård AS, Strøm SM, Fromme E, Jensen HI. Patient-physician conversations about life-sustaining treatment: Treatment preferences and participant assessments. Palliat Support Care 2023; 21:20-6. [PMID: 36814149 DOI: 10.1017/S1478951521001875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2019, the Danish parliament issued legislation requiring Danish physicians to clarify and honor seriously ill patients' treatment preferences. The American POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) document could be a valuable model for this process. The aim of the study was to examine patients' preferences for life-sustaining treatment and participant assessment of a Danish POLST form. METHODS The study is a prospective intervention based on a pilot-tested Danish POLST form. Participant assessments were examined using questionnaire surveys. Patients with serious illness and/or frailty from seven hospital wards, two general practitioners, and four nursing homes were included. The patients and their physicians completed the POLST form based on a process of shared decision-making. RESULTS A total of 95 patients (aged 41-95) participated. Hereof, 88% declined cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 83% preferred limited medical interventions or comfort care, and 74% did not require artificial nutrition. The preferences were similar within age groups, genders, and locations, but with a tendency toward younger patients being more in favor of full treatment and nursing home residents being more in favor of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Questionnaire response rates were 69% (66/95) for patients, 79% (22/28) for physicians, and 31% (9/29) for nurses. Hereof, the majority of patients, physicians, and nurses found that the POLST form was usable for conversations and decision-making about life-sustaining treatment to either a high or very high degree. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The majority of seriously ill patients did not want a resuscitation attempt and opted for selected treatments. The majority of participants found that the Danish POLST was usable for conversations and decisions about life-sustaining treatment to either a high or a very high degree, and that the POLST form facilitated an opportunity to openly discuss life-sustaining treatment.
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Beil M, van Heerden PV, de Lange DW, Szczeklik W, Leaver S, Guidet B, Flaatten H, Jung C, Sviri S, Joskowicz L. Contribution of information about acute and geriatric characteristics to decisions about life-sustaining treatment for old patients in intensive care. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2023; 23:1. [PMID: 36609257 PMCID: PMC9818057 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-02094-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Life-sustaining treatment (LST) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is withheld or withdrawn when there is no reasonable expectation of beneficial outcome. This is especially relevant in old patients where further functional decline might be detrimental for the self-perceived quality of life. However, there still is substantial uncertainty involved in decisions about LST. We used the framework of information theory to assess that uncertainty by measuring information processed during decision-making. METHODS Datasets from two multicentre studies (VIP1, VIP2) with a total of 7488 ICU patients aged 80 years or older were analysed concerning the contribution of information about the acute illness, age, gender, frailty and other geriatric characteristics to decisions about LST. The role of these characteristics in the decision-making process was quantified by the entropy of likelihood distributions and the Kullback-Leibler divergence with regard to withholding or withdrawing decisions. RESULTS Decisions to withhold or withdraw LST were made in 2186 and 1110 patients, respectively. Both in VIP1 and VIP2, information about the acute illness had the lowest entropy and largest Kullback-Leibler divergence with respect to decisions about withdrawing LST. Age, gender and geriatric characteristics contributed to that decision only to a smaller degree. CONCLUSIONS Information about the severity of the acute illness and, thereby, short-term prognosis dominated decisions about LST in old ICU patients. The smaller contribution of geriatric features suggests persistent uncertainty about the importance of functional outcome. There still remains a gap to fully explain decision-making about LST and further research involving contextual information is required. TRIAL REGISTRATION VIP1 study: NCT03134807 (1 May 2017), VIP2 study: NCT03370692 (12 December 2017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Beil
- grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538Department of Medical Intensive Care, Hadassah Medical Centre and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - P. Vernon van Heerden
- grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Hadassah Medical Centre and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dylan W. de Lange
- grid.7692.a0000000090126352Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Centre, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wojciech Szczeklik
- grid.5522.00000 0001 2162 9631Department of Intensive Care, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Susannah Leaver
- grid.451349.eIntensive Care, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Bertrand Guidet
- grid.50550.350000 0001 2175 4109Service de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Hans Flaatten
- grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Intensive Care, Department of Clinical Medicine, Haukeland Universitetssjukehus, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christian Jung
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Sigal Sviri
- grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538Department of Medical Intensive Care, Hadassah Medical Centre and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Leo Joskowicz
- grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Li S, Xie J, Chen Z, Yan J, Zhao Y, Cong Y, Zhao B, Zhang H, Ge H, Ma Q, Shen N. Key elements and checklist of shared decision-making conversation on life-sustaining treatment in emergency: a multispecialty study from China. World J Emerg Med 2023; 14:380-385. [PMID: 37908803 PMCID: PMC10613793 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2023.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shared decision-making (SDM) has broad application in emergencies. Most published studies have focused on SDM for a certain disease or expert opinions on future research gaps without revealing the full picture or detailed guidance for clinical practice. This study is to investigate the optimal application of SDM to guide life-sustaining treatment (LST) in emergencies. METHODS This study was a prospective two-round Delphi consensus-seeking survey among multiple stakeholders at the China Consortium of Elite Teaching Hospitals for Residency Education. Participants were identified based on their expertise in medicine, law, administration, medical education, or patient advocacy. All individual items and questions in the questionnaire were scored using a 5-point Likert scale, with responses ranging from "very unimportant" (a score of 1) to "extremely important" (a score of 5). The percentages of the responses that had scores of 4-5 on the 5-point Likert scale were calculated. A Kendall's W coefficient was calculated to evaluate the consensus of experts. RESULTS A two-level framework consisting of 4 domains and 22 items as well as a ready-to-use checklist for the informed consent process for LST was established. An acceptable Kendall's W coefficient was achieved. CONCLUSION A consensus-based framework supporting SDM during LST in an emergency department can inform the implementation of guidelines for clinical interventions, research studies, medical education, and policy initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Ziyi Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Yuliang Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yali Cong
- Institute of Medical Humanities, School of Foundational Education, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Fourth Medical College of Peking University, Beijing 100035, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Clinical Epidemiology Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hongxia Ge
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qingbian Ma
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ning Shen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
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12
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Yun I, Kim H, Park EC, Jang SY. Association of perceived life satisfaction with attitudes toward life-sustaining treatment among the elderly in South Korea: a cross-sectional study. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:184. [PMID: 36244986 PMCID: PMC9575263 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01072-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amidst rapid population aging, South Korea enacted the Well-dying Act, late among advanced countries, but public opinion on the act is not still clear. Against this background, this study aims to: 1) investigate factors affecting elderly individuals' attitude toward life-sustaining treatment, and 2) examine whether attitude toward life-sustaining treatment is related to their perceived life satisfaction. METHODS Data from the 2020 Survey of Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Korean Older Persons were used. There were 9,916 participants (3,971 males; 5,945 females). We used multivariable-adjusted Poisson regression models with robust variance to examine the association between perceived life satisfaction and attitude toward life-sustaining treatment and calculate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS After adjusting potential confounders, the probabilities that the elderly who were dissatisfied with their current life would favor life-sustaining treatment were 1.52 times (95% CI: 1.15-1.64) and 1.28 times (95% CI: 1.09-1.51) higher for men and women, respectively, than the elderly who were satisfied. In addition, attitudes in favor of life-sustaining treatment were observed prominently among the elderly with long schooling years or high household income, when they were dissatisfied with their life. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that for the elderly, life satisfaction is an important factor influencing how they exercise their autonomy and rights regarding dying well and receiving life-sustaining treatment. It is necessary to introduce interventions that would enhance the life satisfaction of the elderly and terminally ill patients and enable them to make their own decisions according to the values of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il Yun
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunkyu Kim
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Cheol Park
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Yong Jang
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Healthcare Management, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-to, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Kim D, Kim S, Lee KH, Han SH. Use of antimicrobial agents in actively dying inpatients after suspension of life-sustaining treatments: Suggestion for antimicrobial stewardship. J Microbiol Immunol Infect 2022; 55:651-661. [PMID: 35365408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of antimicrobial treatment in end-of-life care has been controversial, whether antibiotics have beneficial effects on comfort and prolonged survival or long-term harmful effects on increasing antimicrobial resistance. We assessed the use of antimicrobial agents and factors associated with de-escalation in inpatients who suspended life-sustaining treatments (SLST) and immediately died. METHODS We included 1296 (74.7%) inpatients who died within 7 days after SLST out of 1734 patients who consented to SLST on their own or family's initiative following a decision by two physicians, observing the "Life-sustaining Treatment Decision Act" between January 2020 and December 2020 at two teaching hospitals. De-escalation was defined as changing to narrower spectrum anti-bacterial drugs or stopping ≥ one antibiotic of combined treatment. RESULTS 90.6% of total patients received anti-bacterial agents, particularly a combination treatment in 60.1% and use of ≥ three drugs in 18.2% of them. Antifungal and antiviral drugs were administered to 12.6% and 3.3% of the patients on SLST, respectively. Antibacterial and antifungal agents were withdrawn in only 8.3% and 1.3% of the patients after SLST, respectively. Anti-bacterial de-escalation was performed in 17.0% of patients, but 43.6% of them received more or broad-spectrum antibiotics after SLST. In multivariate regression, longer hospital stays before SLST, initiation of SLST in the intensive care unit, and cardiovascular diseases were independently associated with anti-bacterial de-escalation after SLST. CONCLUSIONS The intervention for substantial antibiotic use in patients on SLST should be carefully considered as antimicrobial stewardship after decision by the will of the patient and proxy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayeong Kim
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Subin Kim
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Hwa Lee
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Han
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Ersek M, Sales A, Keddem S, Ayele R, Haverhals LM, Magid KH, Kononowech J, Murray A, Carpenter JG, Foglia MB, Potter L, McKenzie J, Davis D, Levy C. Preferences Elicited and Respected for Seriously Ill Veterans through Enhanced Decision-Making (PERSIVED): a protocol for an implementation study in the Veterans Health Administration. Implement Sci Commun 2022; 3:78. [PMID: 35859140 PMCID: PMC9296899 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-022-00321-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empirical evidence supports the use of structured goals of care conversations and documentation of life-sustaining treatment (LST) preferences in durable, accessible, and actionable orders to improve the care for people living with serious illness. As the largest integrated healthcare system in the USA, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) provides an excellent environment to test implementation strategies that promote this evidence-based practice. The Preferences Elicited and Respected for Seriously Ill Veterans through Enhanced Decision-Making (PERSIVED) program seeks to improve care outcomes for seriously ill Veterans by supporting efforts to conduct goals of care conversations, systematically document LST preferences, and ensure timely and accurate communication about preferences across VA and non-VA settings. METHODS PERSIVED encompasses two separate but related implementation projects that support the same evidence-based practice. Project 1 will enroll 12 VA Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) programs and Project 2 will enroll six VA Community Nursing Home (CNH) programs. Both projects begin with a pre-implementation phase during which data from diverse stakeholders are gathered to identify barriers and facilitators to adoption of the LST evidence-based practice. This baseline assessment is used to tailor quality improvement activities using audit with feedback and implementation facilitation during the implementation phase. Site champions serve as the lynchpin between the PERSIVED project team and site personnel. PERSIVED teams support site champions through monthly coaching sessions. At the end of implementation, baseline site process maps are updated to reflect new steps and procedures to ensure timely conversations and documentation of treatment preferences. During the sustainability phase, intense engagement with champions ends, at which point champions work independently to maintain and improve processes and outcomes. Ongoing process evaluation, guided by the RE-AIM framework, is used to monitor Reach, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance outcomes. Effectiveness will be assessed using several endorsed clinical metrics for seriously ill populations. DISCUSSION The PERSIVED program aims to prevent potentially burdensome LSTs by consistently eliciting and documenting values, goals, and treatment preferences of seriously ill Veterans. Working with clinical operational partners, we will apply our findings to HBPC and CNH programs throughout the national VA healthcare system during a future scale-out period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ersek
- Center for Health Equity and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Avenue, Annex Suite 203, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,University of Pennsylvania Schools of Nursing and Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Anne Sales
- Sinclair School of Nursing and Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shimrit Keddem
- Center for Health Equity and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Avenue, Annex Suite 203, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Roman Ayele
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA.,University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Leah M Haverhals
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA.,University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kate H Magid
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer Kononowech
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andrew Murray
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joan G Carpenter
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary Beth Foglia
- VA National Center for Ethics in Health Care, Washington, D.C., USA.,Department of Bioethics and Humanities, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lucinda Potter
- VA National Center for Ethics in Health Care, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Jennifer McKenzie
- VA Purchased Long-Term Services and Supports, Geriatrics and Extended Care, D, Washington, .C, USA
| | - Darlene Davis
- Home-Based Primary Care Program, Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Cari Levy
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA.,University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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15
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Jensen HI, Ozden S, Kristensen GS, Azizi M, Smedemark SA, Mogensen CB. Limitation of life-sustaining treatment and patient involvement in decision-making: a retrospective study of a Danish COVID-19 patient cohort. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2021; 29:173. [PMID: 34930420 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-021-00984-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the risk of an extensive overload of the healthcare systems have elucidated the need to make decisions on the level of life-sustaining treatment for patients requiring hospitalisation. The purpose of the study was to investigate the proportion and characteristics of COVID-19 patients with limitation of life-sustaining treatment decisions and the degree of patient involvement in the decisions. Methods A retrospective observational descriptive study was conducted in three Danish regional hospitals, looking at all patients ≥ 18 years of age admitted in 2020 with COVID-19 as the primary diagnosis. Lists of hospitalised patients admitted due to COVID-19 were extracted. The data registration included age, gender, comorbidities, including mental state, body mass index, frailty, recent hospital admissions, COVID-19 life-sustaining treatment, ICU admission, decisions on limitations of life-sustaining treatment before and during current hospitalisation, hospital length of stay, and hospital mortality. Results A total of 476 patients were included. For 7% (33/476), a decision about limitation of life-sustaining treatment had been made prior to hospital admission. At the time of admission, one or more limitations of life-sustaining treatment were registered for 16% (75/476) of patients. During the admission, limitation decisions were made for an additional 11 patients, totaling 18% (86/476). For 40% (34/86), the decisions were either made by or discussed with the patient. The decisions not made by patients were made by physicians. For 36% (31/86), no information was disclosed about patient involvement. Conclusions Life-sustaining treatment limitation decisions were made for 18% of a COVID-19 patient cohort. Hereof, more than a third of the decisions had been made before hospital admission. Many records lacked information on patient involvement in the decisions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13049-021-00984-1.
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16
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Yu BC, Han M, Ko GJ, Yang JW, Kwon SH, Chung S, Hong YA, Hyun YY, Cho JH, Yoo KD, Bae E, Park WY, Sun IO, Kim D, Kim H, Hwang WM, Song SH, Shin SJ. Effect of shared decision-making education on physicians' perceptions and practices of end-of-life care in Korea. Kidney Res Clin Pract 2021; 41:242-252. [PMID: 34974652 PMCID: PMC8995478 DOI: 10.23876/j.krcp.21.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence of the ethical appropriateness and clinical benefits of shared decision-making (SDM) are accumulating. This study aimed to not only identify physicians’ perspectives on SDM, and practices related to end-of-life care in particular, but also to gauge the effect of SDM education on physicians in Korea. Methods A 14-item questionnaire survey using a modified Delphi process was delivered to nephrologists and internal medicine trainees at 17 university hospitals. Results A total of 309 physicians completed the survey. Although respondents reported that 69.9% of their practical decisions were made using SDM, 59.9% reported that it is not being applied appropriately. Only 12.3% of respondents had received education on SDM as part of their training. The main obstacles to appropriate SDM were identified as lack of time (46.0%), educational materials and tools (29.4%), and education on SDM (24.3%). Although only a few respondents had received training on SDM, the proportion of those who thought they were using SDM appropriately in actual practice was high; the proportion of those who chose lack of time and education as factors that hindered the proper application of SDM was low. Conclusion The majority of respondents believed that SDM was not being implemented properly in Korea, despite its use in actual practice. To improve the effectiveness of SDM in the Korean medical system, appropriate training programs and supplemental policies that guarantee sufficient application time are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Chul Yu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Miyeun Han
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gang-Jee Ko
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Won Yang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Hyo Kwon
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjin Chung
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Ah Hong
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Youl Hyun
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Hee Cho
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Don Yoo
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjin Bae
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Changwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Yeong Park
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - In O Sun
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Presbyterian Medical Center, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongryul Kim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsuk Kim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Min Hwang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Heon Song
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Joon Shin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Dongguk University School of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
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Won YW, Kim HJ, Kwon JH, Lee HY, Baek SK, Kim YJ, Kim DY, Ryu H. Life-Sustaining Treatment States in Korean Cancer Patients after Enforcement of Act on Decisions on Life-Sustaining Treatment for Patients at the End of Life. Cancer Res Treat 2021; 53:908-916. [PMID: 34082495 PMCID: PMC8524027 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2021.325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In Korea, the "Act on Hospice and Palliative Care and Decisions on Life-sustaining Treatment for Patients at the End of Life" was enacted on February 4, 2018. This study was conducted to analyze the current state of life-sustaining treatment decisions based on National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) data after the law came into force. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data of 173,028 cancer deaths were extracted from NHIS qualification data between November 2015 and January 2019. RESULTS The number of cancer deaths complied with the law process was 14,438 of 54,635 cases (26.4%). The rate of patient self-determination was 49.0%. The patients complying with the law process have used a hospice center more frequently (28% vs. 14%). However, the rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission was similar between the patients who complied with and without the law process (ICU admission, 23% vs. 21%). There was no difference in the proportion of patients who had undergone mechanical ventilation and hemodialysis in the comparative analysis before and after the enforcement of the law and the analysis according to the compliance with the law. The patients who complied with the law process received cardiopulmonary resuscitation at a lower rate. CONCLUSION The law has positive effects on the rate of life-sustaining treatment decision by patient's determination. However, there was no sufficient effect on the withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatment, which could protect the patient from unnecessary or harmful interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Woong Won
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri,
Korea
| | - Hwa Jung Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jung Hye Kwon
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Sejong,
Korea
| | - Ha Yeon Lee
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Sun Kyung Baek
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam,
Korea
| | - Do Yeun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Hyewon Ryu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon,
Korea
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18
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Courtwright AM, Erler KS, Bandini JI, Zwirner M, Cremens MC, McCoy TH, Robinson EM, Rubin E. Ethics Consultation for Adult Solid Organ Transplantation Candidates and Recipients: A Single Centre Experience. J Bioeth Inq 2021; 18:291-303. [PMID: 33638124 PMCID: PMC7908944 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-021-10092-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Systematic study of the intersection of ethics consultation services and solid organ transplants and recipients can identify and illustrate ethical issues that arise in the clinical care of these patients, including challenges beyond resource allocation. This was a single-centre, retrospective cohort study of all adult ethics consultations between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2017, at a large academic medical centre in the north-eastern United States. Of the 880 ethics consultations, sixty (6.8 per cent ) involved solid organ transplant, thirty-nine (65.0 per cent) for candidates and twenty-one (35.0 per cent ) for recipients. Ethics consultations were requested for 4.3 per cent of heart, 4.9 per cent of lung, 0.3 per cent of liver, and 0.3 per cent of kidney transplant recipients over the study period. Nurses were more likely to request ethics consultations for recipients than physicians (80.0 per cent vs 20.0 per cent , p = 0.006). The most common reason for consultation among transplant candidates was discussion about intensity of treatment or goals of care after the patient was not or was no longer a transplant candidate. The most common reason for ethics consultation among transplant recipients was disagreement between transplant providers and patients/families/non-transplant healthcare professionals over the appropriate intensity of treatment for recipients. Very few consultations involved questions about appropriate resource allocation. Ethics consultants involved in these cases most often navigated communication challenges between transplant and non-transplant healthcare professionals and patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Courtwright
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Gates 940, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
- Optimum Care Committee, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kim S Erler
- Optimum Care Committee, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Occupational Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Mary Zwirner
- Optimum Care Committee, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Social Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Cornelia Cremens
- Optimum Care Committee, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas H McCoy
- Optimum Care Committee, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ellen M Robinson
- Optimum Care Committee, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Patient Care Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Rubin
- Optimum Care Committee, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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Liu Q, Qin M, Zhou J, Zheng H, Liu W, Shen Q. Can primary palliative care education change life-sustaining treatment intensity of older adults at the end of life? A retrospective study. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:84. [PMID: 34154579 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00783-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative care education has been carried out in some hospitals and palliative care has gradually developed in mainland China. However, the clinical research is sparse and whether primary palliative care education influence treatment intensity of dying older adults is still unknown. This study aims to explore the changes to the intensity of end-of-life care in hospitalized older adults before and after the implementation of primary palliative care education. Methods A retrospective study was conducted. Two hundred three decedents were included from Beijing Tongren Hospital’s department of geriatrics between January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019. Patients were split into two cohorts with regards to the start of palliative care education. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics as well as analgesia use, medical resources use and provision of life-sustaining treatments were compared. We used a chi-square test to compare categorical variables, a t test to compare continuous variables with normal distributions and a Mann–Whitney U test for continuous variables with skewed distributions. Results Of the total participants in the study, 157(77.3%) patients were male. The median age was 88 (interquartile range; Q1-Q3 83–93) and the majority of patients (N = 172, 84.7%) aged 80 years or older. The top 3 causes of death were malignant solid tumor (N = 74, 36.5%), infectious disease (N = 74, 36.5%), and cardiovascular disease (N = 23, 11.3%). Approximately two thirds died of non-cancer diseases. There was no significant difference in age, gender, cause of death and functional status between the two groups (p > 0.05). After primary palliative care education, pain controlling drugs were used more (p < 0.05), fewer patients received electric defibrillation, bag mask ventilation and vasopressors (p < 0.05). There was no change in the length of hospitalization, intensive care admissions, polypharmacy, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, blood infusions, albumin infusions, nasogastric/nasoenteric tubes, parenteral nutrition, renal replacement and mechanical ventilation (p > 0.05). Conclusions Primary palliative care education may promotes pain controlling drug use and DNR implementation. More efforts should be put on education about symptom assessment, prognostication, advance care planning, code status discussion in order to reduce acute medical care resource use and apply life-sustaining treatment appropriately.
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20
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Baek SK, Kim HJ, Kwon JH, Lee HY, Won YW, Kim YJ, Baik S, Ryu H. Preparation and Practice of the Necessary Documents in Hospital for the "Act on Decision of Life-Sustaining Treatment for Patients at the End-of-Life". Cancer Res Treat 2021; 53:926-934. [PMID: 34082493 PMCID: PMC8524011 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2021.326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Six forms relating to decisions on life-sustaining treatment (LST) for patients at the end-of-life (EOL) in hospital are required by the “Act on Decision of LST for Patients at the EOL.” We investigated the preparation and creation status of these documents from the database of the National Agency for Management of LST. Materials and Methods We analyzed the contents and details of each document necessary for decisions on LST, and the creation status of forms. We defined patients completing form 1 as “self-determined” of LST, and those whose family members had completed form 11/12 as “family decision” of LST. According to the determination subject, we compared the four items of LST on form 13 (the paper of implementation of LST) and the documentation time interval between forms. Results The six forms require information about the patient, doctor, specialized doctor, family members, institution, decision for LST, and intention to use hospice services. Of 44,381 who had completed at least one document, 36,693 patients had form 13. Among them, 11,531, 10,976, and 12,551 people completed forms 1, 11, and 12, respectively. The documentation time interval from forms 1, 11, or 12 to form 13 was 8.6±13.6 days, 1.0±9.5 days, and 1.5±9.7 days, respectively. Conclusion The self-determination rate of LST was 31% and the mean time interval from self-determination to implementation of LST was 8.6 days. The creation of these forms still takes place when the patients are close to death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Kyung Baek
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hwa Jung Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Hye Kwon
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Chungnam, Korea
| | - Ha Yeon Lee
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Woong Won
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sujin Baik
- Korea National Institute for Bioethics Policy, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyewon Ryu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
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21
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Auckland C, Goold I. Resolving Disagreement: A Multi-Jurisdictional Comparative Analysis of Disputes About Children's Medical Care. Med Law Rev 2020; 28:643-674. [PMID: 33146726 DOI: 10.1093/medlaw/fwaa020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the English courts have dealt with a number high-profile, emotive disputes over the care of very ill children, including Charlie Gard, Alfie Evans, and Tafida Raqeeb. It is perhaps fair to say such cases have become a regular feature of the courts in England. But is the situation similar in other jurisdictions? If not, are there lessons to be learned from these jurisdictions that do not seem to need to call on judges to resolve these otherwise intractable disputes? We argue that many of the differences we see between jurisdictions derive from cultural and social differences manifesting in both the legal rules in place, and how the various parties interact with, and defer to, one another. We further argue that while recourse to the courts is undesirable in many ways, it is also indicative of a society that permits difference of views and provides for these differences to be considered in a public manner following clear procedural and precedential rules. These are the hallmarks of a liberal democracy that allows for pluralism of values, while still remaining committed to protecting the most vulnerable parties in these disputes-children facing life-limiting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cressida Auckland
- Assistant Professor, Department of Law, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Imogen Goold
- Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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22
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Yoo SH, Choi W, Kim Y, Kim MS, Park HY, Keam B, Heo DS. Difficulties Doctors Experience during Life-Sustaining Treatment Discussion after Enactment of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decisions Act: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cancer Res Treat 2020; 53:584-592. [PMID: 33211941 PMCID: PMC8053877 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2020.735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate difficulties doctors experience during life-sustaining treatment (LST) discussion with seriously ill patients and their families after enactment of the LST Decisions Act in February 2018. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a tertiary hospital in the Republic of Korea in August 2019. Six hundred eighty-six doctors who care for seriously ill patients were given a structured questionnaire, and difficulties during the discussion were examined. Results One hundred thirty-two doctors completed the questionnaire. Eighty-five percent answered they treat cancer patients. Most (86.4%) experienced considerable difficulties during LST discussions (mean score, 7.4±1.6/10). The two most common difficulties were communication with patients and family and determining when to discuss LST. Two-thirds of doctors found direct discussions with the patient difficult and said they would initiate LST discussions only with family. LST discussions were actually initiated later than considered appropriate. When medically assessing whether the patient is imminently dying, 56% of doctors experienced disagreements with other doctors, which could affect their decisions. Conclusion This study found that most doctors experienced serious difficulties regarding communication with patients and family and medical assessment of dying process during LST discussions. To alleviate these difficulties, further institutional support is needed to improve the LST discussion between doctors, patients, and family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Hye Yoo
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wonho Choi
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yejin Kim
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Sun Kim
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Yoon Park
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae Seog Heo
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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23
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Lin CY, Lee YC. Choosing and Doing wisely: triage level I resuscitation a possible new field for starting palliative care and avoiding low-value care - a nationwide matched-pair retrospective cohort study in Taiwan. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:87. [PMID: 32563245 PMCID: PMC7305586 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00590-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between palliative care and life-sustaining treatment following emergency department (ED) resuscitation is unclear. This study aims to analyze the usage of palliative care and life-sustaining treatments among ED triage level I resuscitation patients based on a nationally representative sample of patients in Taiwan. METHODS A matched-pair retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine the association between palliative care and outcome variables using multivariate logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Between 2009 and 2013, 336 ED triage level I resuscitation patients received palliative care services (palliative care group) under a universal health insurance scheme. Retrospective cohort matching was performed with those who received standard care at a ratio of 1:4 (usual care group). Outcome variables included the number of visits to emergency and outpatient departments, hospitalization duration, total medical expenses, utilization of life-sustaining treatments, and duration of survival following ED triage level I resuscitation. RESULTS The mean survival duration following level I resuscitation was less than 1 year. Palliative care was administered to 15% of the resuscitation cohort. The palliative care group received significantly less life-sustaining treatment than did the usual care group. CONCLUSION Among patients who underwent level I resuscitation, palliative care was inversely correlated with the scope of life-sustaining treatments. Furthermore, triage level I resuscitation status may present a possible new field for starting palliative care intervention and reducing low-value care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Yuan Lin
- Department of Neurology, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Health Care Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yue-Chune Lee
- Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Master Program on Trans-disciplinary Long-Term Care and Management, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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24
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Chen YC, Loh EW, Huang TW. Humanity behind the intention of primary caregiver to choose withdrawing life-sustaining treatment for terminating patients. Patient Educ Couns 2020; 103:S0738-3991(20)30329-3. [PMID: 32561315 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mechanical ventilation, a measure of life-sustaining treatment (LST), may not be helpful and can be devastating for patients with terminal illness. We explored the effects of demographic characteristics, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on the behavioral intentions of primary caregivers to withdraw LST of long-term ventilator-dependent patients. METHODS Primary caregivers of ventilator-dependent patients in the respiratory care units of six hospitals participated in the study. A cross-sectional design including the domains of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention was adopted. RESULTS Valid data for 99 participants were analyzed using logistic regression. Religious belief, a spousal relationship with the patient, item 5 in subjective norms, and item 5 in perceived behavioral control positively influenced the intention to withdraw patient LST. CONCLUSIONS Religious beliefs, a spousal relationship, perceived behavioral control (confidence in relieving patient suffering), and the opportunity of current favorable subjective norms are major determinants of the intention to withdraw patients' LST. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Shared decision-making with the kin and primary caregivers of long-term ventilator-dependent patients at the end of life is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Chin Chen
- Department of Nursing, Yuanlin Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan.
| | - El-Wui Loh
- Center for Evidence-Based Health Care, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Shared Decision Making Resource Center, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Cochrane Taiwan, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Tsai-Wei Huang
- Cochrane Taiwan, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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25
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Hamano J, Hanari K, Tamiya N. End-of-life care preferences of the general public and recommendations of healthcare providers: a nationwide survey in Japan. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:38. [PMID: 32209096 PMCID: PMC7093951 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00546-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A better understanding of differences between the preferences of the general public and the recommendations of healthcare providers with regard to end-of-life (EOL) care may facilitate EOL discussion. METHODS The aim of this study was to clarify differences between preferences of the general public and recommendations of healthcare providers with regard to treatment, EOL care, and life-sustaining treatment (LST) based on a hypothetical scenario involving a patient with advanced cancer. This study comprised exploratory post-hoc analyses of "The Survey of Public Attitude Towards Medical Care at the End of life", which was a population based, cross-sectional anonymous survey in Japan to investigate public attitudes toward medical care at the end of life. Persons living in Japan over 20 years old were randomly selected nationwide. Physicians, nurses, and care staff were recruited at randomly selected facilities throughout Japan. The general public data from the original study was combined to the data of healthcare providers in order to conduct exploratory post-hoc analyses. The preferences of the general public and recommendations of healthcare providers with regard to EOL care and LST was assessed based on the hypothetical scenario of an advanced cancer patient. RESULTS All returned questionnaires were analyzed: 973 from the general public, 1039 from physicians, 1854 from nurses, and 752 from care staff (response rates of 16.2, 23.1, 30.9, and 37.6%, respectively). The proportion of the general public who wanted "chemotherapy or radiation", "ventilation", and "cardiopulmonary resuscitation" was significantly higher than the frequency of these options being recommended by physicians, nurses, and care staff, but the general public preference for "cardiopulmonary resuscitation" was significantly lower than the frequency of its recommendation by care staff. CONCLUSION Regarding a hypothetical scenario for advanced cancer, the general public preferred more aggressive treatment and more frequent LST than that recommended by healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hamano
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Kyoko Hanari
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Nanako Tamiya
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Ibaraki, Japan
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26
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Cave E, Brierley J, Archard D. Making Decisions for Children-Accommodating Parental Choice in Best Interests Determinations: Barts Health NHS Trust v Raqeeb [2019] EWHC 2530 (Fam); Raqeeb and Barts Health NHS Trust [2019] EWHC 2531 (Admin). Med Law Rev 2020; 28:183-196. [PMID: 31848628 DOI: 10.1093/medlaw/fwz038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Four-year-old Tafida Raqeeb suffered a sudden and catastrophic brain injury resulting from a rare condition. UK doctors would not agree to a transfer of Tafida to a hospital in Italy in circumstances that they considered to be contrary to her best interests. Her parents applied for judicial review of the hospital decision and the hospital Trust applied for a determination of Tafida's best interests. The cases were heard together. The High Court ruled that Tafida could be taken to Italy for treatment. Applying the best interests test, Mr Justice MacDonald found that Tafida was not in pain and ongoing treatment would not be a burden to her. Further treatment would comply with the religious beliefs of her parents. The case is specific to its facts, but MacDonald J's interpretation of the best interests test is likely to have implications. In particular, we explore the separation of medical and overall best interests; the recognition of the relevance of international laws and frameworks to best interests determinations; and reliance not on what Tafida could understand and express but on what she might in future have come to believe had she followed her parents' religious beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Cave
- Durham Law School, Stockton Road, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Joe Brierley
- Paediatric Bioethics Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - David Archard
- School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, Queen's University, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
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Abstract
Emergency and critical care medicine are fraught with ethically challenging decision making for clinicians, patients, and families. Time and resource constraints, decisional-impaired patients, and emotionally overwhelmed family members make obtaining informed consent, discussing withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatments, and respecting patient values and preferences difficult. When illness or trauma is secondary to disaster, ethical considerations increase and change based on number of casualties, type of disaster, and anticipated life cycle of the crisis. This article considers the ethical issues that arise when health providers are confronted with the challenges of caring for victims of disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Bridget Satkoske
- Wheeling Hospital, 64 Medical Center Drive, Room 1168D, Health Sciences North, Morgantown, WV 26506-9022, USA
| | - David A Kappel
- WVOEMS, West Virginia State Trauma System, 1 Medical Park, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
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Rabinowich A, Sagy I, Rabinowich L, Zeller L, Jotkowitz A. Withholding Treatment From the Dying Patient: The Influence of Medical School on Students' Attitudes. J Bioeth Inq 2019; 16:217-225. [PMID: 30848419 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-019-09897-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine motives and attitudes towards life-sustaining treatments (LSTs) by clinical and preclinical medical students. METHODS This was a scenario-based questionnaire that presented patients with a limited life expectancy. The survey was distributed among 455 medical students in preclinical and clinical years. Students were asked to rate their willingness to perform LSTs and rank the motives for doing so. The effect of medical education was then investigated after adjustment for age, gender, religion, religiosity, country of origin, and marital status. RESULTS Preclinical students had a significantly higher willingness to perform LSTs in all cases. This was observed in all treatments offered in cases of a metastatic oncologic patient and an otherwise healthy man after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In the case of an elderly woman on long-term care, preclinical students had higher willingness to supply vasopressors but not perform an intubation, feed with a nasogastric tube, or treat with a continuous positive air-pressure ventilator. Both preclinical and clinical students had high willingness to perform resuscitation on a twelve-year-old boy with a TBI. Differences in motivation factors were also seen. DISCUSSION Preclinical students had a greater willingness to treat compared to clinical students in all cases and with most medical treatments offered. This is attributed mainly to changes along the medical curriculum. Changes in reasons for supplying LSTs were also documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Rabinowich
- Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 1 Ben-Gurion Boulevard, Israel, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| | - Iftach Sagy
- Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 1 Ben-Gurion Boulevard, Israel, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Soroka University Medical Center, Yitzhack I. Rager Blvd 151, 84101, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Liane Rabinowich
- Liver Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Weizmann St 6, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Lior Zeller
- Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 1 Ben-Gurion Boulevard, Israel, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Soroka University Medical Center, Yitzhack I. Rager Blvd 151, 84101, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Alan Jotkowitz
- Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 1 Ben-Gurion Boulevard, Israel, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Soroka University Medical Center, Yitzhack I. Rager Blvd 151, 84101, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Chen TR, Hu WY, Chiu TY, Kuo HP. Differences between COPD patients and their families regarding willingness toward life-sustaining treatments. J Formos Med Assoc 2018; 118:414-419. [PMID: 30031601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receive more life-sustaining treatments (LSTs) than those with other diseases. The aims of this study were to explore the willingness of COPD patients and their families to consent to LSTs and compare the differences between their levels of willingness. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted, and structured questionnaires were used for data collection. RESULTS A total of 219 valid samples were collected, including 109 patients and 110 families. Sixty percent of family members indicated that they did not know the intentions of the patient. Families were significantly more willing for patients to receive LSTs than the patients themselves. The level of willingness of patients and families varied according to the situation and LST interventions. When patients were in a vegetative state or medical treatments were futile, the willingness of COPD patients and their families to receive LSTs significantly decreased. Endotracheal intubation and external defibrillation were the least likely to be requested, whereas the willingness to receive medication injections and noninvasive ventilation was greatest. CONCLUSION Communication between families and patients on the issue of LST should be facilitated. Adequate information on the patient's condition and possible LSTs should be provided to avoid COPD patients receiving inappropriate LSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ru Chen
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yu Hu
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan.
| | - Tai-Yuan Chiu
- Department of Family, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Han-Pin Kuo
- College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
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Shin SJ, Lee JH. Hemodialysis as a life-sustaining treatment at the end of life. Kidney Res Clin Pract 2018; 37:112-118. [PMID: 29971206 PMCID: PMC6027813 DOI: 10.23876/j.krcp.2018.37.2.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Act on Decisions on Life-Sustaining Treatment for Patients in Hospice and Palliative Care or at the End of Life came into effect on February 4th, 2018, in South Korea. Based on the Act, all Koreans over the age of 19 years can decide whether to refuse life-sustaining treatments at the end of life via advance directive or physician orders. Hemodialysis is one of the options designated in the Act as a life-sustaining treatment that can be withheld or withdrawn near death. However, hemodialysis has unique features. So, it is not easy to determine the best candidates for withholding/withdrawing hemodialysis at the end of life. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the meaning and implications of hemodialysis at the end of life with ethical consideration of futility and withholding or withdrawal of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Joon Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jae Hang Lee
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
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Ayeh DD, Tak HJ, Yoon JD, Curlin FA. U.S. Physicians' Opinions About Accommodating Religiously Based Requests for Continued Life-Sustaining Treatment. J Pain Symptom Manage 2016; 51:971-8. [PMID: 27039013 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.12.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Families of critically ill patients occasionally request that physicians continue life-sustaining treatment (LST), sometimes giving religious reasons. OBJECTIVES To examine whether U.S. physicians are more likely to accommodate requests for LST that are based on religious reasons. METHODS In 2010, we surveyed 1156 practicing U.S. physicians from specialties likely to care for adult patients with advanced illness. The questionnaire included two randomized experimental vignettes: one where a family asked that LST be continued for a patient that met brain death criteria and a second where the son of an elderly patient with cancer insists on continuing LST. In both, we experimentally varied the reasons that the family member gave to justify the request, to see if physicians are more likely to accommodate a request based on a religious requirement or hope for a miracle, compared to no mention of either. For physicians' religious characteristics, we assessed their religious affiliation and level of religiosity. RESULTS For the patient meeting brain death criteria, physicians were more likely to accommodate the request to continue LST when the family mentioned their Orthodox Jewish community (85% vs. 70%, P < 0.001). For the patient with metastatic cancer, physicians were more likely to accommodate the request when the son said his religious faith does not permit discontinuing LST (65% vs. 46%, P < 0.001), but not when he said he expected divine healing (50% vs. 46%). CONCLUSION Physicians appear more willing to accommodate requests to continue LST when those requests are based on particular religious communities or traditions, but not when based on expectations of divine healing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyo Jung Tak
- Department of Health Services Research and Administration, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - John D Yoon
- Department of Medicine and MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Farr A Curlin
- Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities & History of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
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Pope TM, Okninski ME. Legal Standards for Brain Death and Undue Influence in Euthanasia Laws. J Bioeth Inq 2016; 13:173-178. [PMID: 27048423 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-016-9718-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A major appellate court decision from the United States seriously questions the legal sufficiency of prevailing medical criteria for the determination of death by neurological criteria. There may be a mismatch between legal and medical standards for brain death, requiring the amendment of either or both. In South Australia, a Bill seeks to establish a legal right for a defined category of persons suffering unbearably to request voluntary euthanasia. However, an essential criterion of a voluntary decision is that it is not tainted by undue influence, and this Bill falls short of providing adequate guidance to assess for undue influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaddeus Mason Pope
- Mitchell Hamline School of Law, 875 Summit Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55105, USA.
| | - Michaela E Okninski
- Law School, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5005, Australia.
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Gu X, Chen M, Liu M, Zhang Z, Cheng W. End-of-life decision-making of terminally ill cancer patients in a tertiary cancer center in Shanghai, China. Support Care Cancer 2015; 24:2209-2215. [PMID: 26567116 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-015-3017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Different countries have various decision-making practices, which are formalized according to laws, rules, traditions, religious beliefs, and ethical views of different cultural backgrounds. We investigated the characteristics and factors associated with the decision-making details in terminally ill cancer patients in a tertiary cancer center in Shanghai, China. METHOD A single center, retrospective study was performed among advanced cancer patients who died between March 2007 and December 2013 in ward at Palliative Care Unit, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. RESULTS Of 436 patients' end-of-life (EOL) discussions, 424 (97.2 %) occurred between family caregivers and physicians. The main decision-maker was in the following order: spouse (45.6 %), offsprings (44.3 %), parents (3.2 %), son-/daughter-in-law (1.8 %), and relatives (1.4 %). Two hundred twenty-one (47.3 %) patients received at least one of six life-sustaining treatments. One hundred eighty-four (40.4 %) patients continued artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) until death. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed in 26 patients (6.0 %). Two hundred fourteen (49.1 %) patients received vasopressors before death. Only two patients received mechanical ventilation and only one patient received tracheostomy. The median time interval since the decision made till death was 20.17 h (95 % CI = 18.94-21.40, range 4.3 to 70.2 h). Patients who were older than 65 years old were less likely to undergo an intensive procedure (AOR = 0.559, 95 % CI = 0.367-0.852, p = 0.007). Patients living in urban settings (AOR = 2.177, 95 % CI = 1.398-3.390, p = 0.001) were more likely to undergo an intensive procedure in the EOL period. CONCLUSIONS This study reflected some Chinese characteristics for decision-making at the end of life among advanced cancer patients. More prospective studies focused on specific EOL issues are required to improve the quality of EOL care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Gu
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, #270, DongAn Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Menglei Chen
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, #270, DongAn Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Minghui Liu
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, #270, DongAn Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, #270, DongAn Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenwu Cheng
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, #270, DongAn Road, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Halliday S, Formby A, Cookson R. AN ASSESSMENT OF THE COURT'S ROLE IN THE WITHDRAWAL OF CLINICALLY ASSISTED NUTRITION AND HYDRATION FROM PATIENTS IN THE PERMANENT VEGETATIVE STATE. Med Law Rev 2015; 23:556-87. [PMID: 26152652 PMCID: PMC4636535 DOI: 10.1093/medlaw/fwv026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we reassess the court's role in the withdrawal of clinically assisted nutrition and hydration from patients in the permanent vegetative state (PVS), focussing on cases where health-care teams and families agree that such is in the patient's best interest. As well as including a doctrinal analysis, the reassessment draws on empirical data from the families of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness, on economic data about the costs of the declaratory relief process to the National Health Service (NHS), and on comparative legal data about the comparable procedural requirements in other jurisdictions. We show that, following the decision in the Bland case, the role of the Court of Protection is now restricted to the direct supervision of the PVS diagnosis as a matter of proof. We argue that this is an inappropriate role for the court, and one that sits in some tension with the best interests of patients. The blanket requirement of declaratory relief for all cases is economically expensive for the NHS and thus deprives other NHS patients from health care. We demonstrate that many of the ancillary benefits currently offered by declaratory relief could be achieved by other means. Ultimately, we suggest that reform to the declaratory relief requirement is called for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Halliday
- York Law School, University of York, Freeboys Lane, York YO10 5HD, UK
| | - Adam Formby
- Department of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Abstract
The central issue of the Court of Appeal decision in R (Tracey) v Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & Ors [2014] EWCA Civ 822 concerned whether competent adults should be involved in the decision-making process for Do Not Attempt Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions. These are sensitive decisions made on the basis that cardio-pulmonary resuscitation would be futile, or that efforts to resuscitate would not be in the best clinical interests of the person concerned. The Court held that patient involvement in DNACPR decisions should be the presumption, even if clinicians sincerely believed that resuscitation would be futile, unless that involvement would cause actual psychological or physical harm. This case commentary explores the potential implications of this decision in the context of contemporary healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Samanta
- Leicester De Montfort Law School, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
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Hernández-Tejedor A, Cabré-Pericas L, Martín-Delgado MC, Leal-Micharet AM, Algora-Weber A; EPIPUSE study group. Evolution and prognosis of long intensive care unit stay patients suffering a deterioration: A multicenter study. J Crit Care 2015; 30:654.e1-7. [PMID: 25656920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2015.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The prognosis of a patient who deteriorates during a prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay is difficult to predict. We analyze the prognostic value of the serialized Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and other variables in the early days after a complication and to build a new predictive score. MATERIALS AND METHODS EPIPUSE (Evolución y pronóstico de los pacientes con ingreso prolongado en UCI que sufren un empeoramiento, Evolution and prognosis of long intensive care unit stay patients suffering a deterioration) study is a prospective, observational study during a 3-month recruitment period in 75 Spanish ICUs. We focused on patients admitted in the ICU for 7 days or more with complications of adverse events that involve organ dysfunction impairment. Demographics, clinical variables, and serialized SOFA after a supervening clinical deterioration were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and a predictive model was created with the most discriminating variables. RESULTS We included 589 patients who experienced 777 cases of severe complication or adverse event. The entire sample was randomly divided into 2 subsamples, one for development purposes (528 cases) and the other for validation (249 cases). The predictive model maximizing specificity is calculated by minimum SOFA + 2 * cardiovascular risk factors + 2 * history of any oncologic disease or immunosuppressive treatment + 3 * dependence for basic activities of daily living. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve is 0.82. A 14-point cutoff has a positive predictive value of 100% (92.7%-100%) and negative predictive value of 51% (46.4%-55.5%) for death. CONCLUSIONS EPIPUSE model can predict mortality with a specificity and positive predictive value of 99% in some groups of patients.
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Hernandez RA, Hevelone ND, Lopez L, Finlayson SRG, Chittenden E, Cooper Z. Racial variation in the use of life-sustaining treatments among patients who die after major elective surgery. Am J Surg 2014; 210:52-8. [PMID: 25465749 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2014.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although various studies have documented increased life-sustaining treatments among racial minorities in medical patients, whether similar disparities exist in surgical patients is unknown. METHODS A retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2006 to 2011) examining patients older than 39 years who died after elective colectomy was performed. Primary predictor variable was race, and main outcome was the use of life-sustaining treatment. RESULTS In univariate analysis, significant differences existed in use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR; black, 35.9%; Hispanic, 29.0%; other, 24.5%; white, 11.7%; P = .002) and reintubation (Hispanic, 75.0%; other, 69.0%; black, 52.3%; white, 45.2%; P = .01). In multivariate analysis, black (odds ratio [OR], 3.67; P = .01) and Hispanic (OR, 4.21; P = .03) patients were more likely to have undergone CPR, and Hispanic patients (OR, 4.24; P = .01) were more likely to have been reintubated (reference: white). CONCLUSIONS Blacks and Hispanics had increased odds of experiencing CPR, and Hispanics were more likely to have been reintubated before death after a major elective operation. These variations may imply worse quality of death and increased associated costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland A Hernandez
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Nathanael D Hevelone
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lenny Lopez
- Mongan Institute for Health Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Disparities Solutions Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samuel R G Finlayson
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Eva Chittenden
- Division of Pain and Palliative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zara Cooper
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Trauma, Burns, and Surgical Critical Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, USA.
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Hernández-Tejedor A, Martín Delgado MC, Cabré Pericas L, Algora Weber A. Limitation of life-sustaining treatment in patients with prolonged admission to the ICU. Current situation in Spain as seen from the EPIPUSE Study. Med Intensiva 2014; 39:395-404. [PMID: 25241266 DOI: 10.1016/j.medin.2014.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Limitation of life-sustaining treatment (LLST) is a recommended practice in certain circumstances. Limitation practices are varied, and their application differs from one center to another. The present study evaluates the current situation of LLST practices in patients with prolonged admission to the ICU who suffer worsening of their condition. DESIGN A prospective, observational cohort study was carried out. SETTING Seventy-five Spanish ICUs. PATIENTS A total of 589 patients suffering 777 complications or adverse events with organ function impairment after day 7 of admission, during a three-month recruitment period. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST The timing of limitation, the subject proposing LLST, the degree of agreement within the team, the influence of LLST upon the doctor-patient-family relationship, and the way in which LLST is implemented. RESULTS LLST was proposed in 34.3% of the patients presenting prolonged admission to the ICU with severe complications. The incidence was higher in patients with moderate to severe lung disease, cancer, immunosuppressive treatment or dependence for basic activities of daily living. LLST was finally implemented in 97% of the cases in which it was proposed. The decision within the medical team was unanimous in 87.9% of the cases. The doctor-patient-family relationship usually does not change or even improves in this situation. CONCLUSION LLST in ICUs is usually carried out under unanimous decision of the medical team, is performed more frequently in patients with severe comorbidity, and usually does not have a negative impact upon the relationship with the patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hernández-Tejedor
- Unidad de Cuidados Críticos, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Madrid, España.
| | - M C Martín Delgado
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, España
| | - L Cabré Pericas
- Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital de Barcelona SCIAS, Barcelona, España
| | - A Algora Weber
- Unidad de Cuidados Críticos, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Madrid, España
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Guidet B, Hodgson E, Feldman C, Paruk F, Lipman J, Koh Y, Vincent JL, Azoulay E, Sprung CL. The Durban World Congress Ethics Round Table Conference Report: II. Withholding or withdrawing of treatment in elderly patients admitted to the intensive care unit. J Crit Care 2014; 29:896-901. [PMID: 25216948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Life-sustaining treatment (LST) limitation for elderly patients is highly controversial. In that context, it is useful to evaluate the attitudes to LST in the elderly among experienced intensive care unit (ICU) physicians with different backgrounds and cultures. METHODS A panel of 22 international ICU physicians from 13 countries responded to a questionnaire related to withholding (WH) and withdrawing (WD) LST in elderly patients using a semi-Likert scale. RESULTS Most experts disagree or strongly disagree (77%) that age should be used as the sole criterion for WH or WD LST, and almost all disagree (91%) that there should be a specific age for such decision making. However, the vast majority (91%) acknowledge that age should be an important consideration in conjunction with other factors. Disagreement for consideration of prioritizing the young over the old in normal ICU operations was reported in 68%, whereas in an emergency triage situation, disagreement dropped to 18%. CONCLUSIONS There is a consensus among ICU physicians that age cannot be the sole criterion on which health care decisions should be made. In that perspective, it is important to provide data showing that outcome differences between elderly and nonelderly patients are partly related to decisions to forgo LSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Guidet
- Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, service de réanimation médicale, Paris, F-75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, F-75013, Paris, France; INSERM, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, F-75013, Paris, France.
| | - Eric Hodgson
- Department of Anaesthesia & Critical Care, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, eThekwini-Durban, South Africa
| | - Charles Feldman
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fathima Paruk
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jeffrey Lipman
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, The University of Queensland School of Medicine: Department of Intensive Care Medicine l Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD 4029
| | - Younsuck Koh
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Univ. of Ulsan College of Medicine, 388-1 Pungnap Dong Songpa Ku, Seoul, 138-736, Korea
| | - Jean Louis Vincent
- Dept of Intensive Care, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Erasme Univ Hospital
| | - Elie Azoulay
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Medical ICU, University Paris-7 Paris-Diderot, UFR de Médecine, 1 avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Charles L Sprung
- General Intensive Care Unit, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, PO Box 12000, Jerusalem, Israel 91120
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