Respiratory support withdrawal in intensive care units: families, physicians and nurses views on two hypothetical clinical scenarios

• DOI: 10.1186/cc9390
• Publication Date: 2011-01-05T19:55:31Z
• Authors: Renata RL Fumis; Daniel Deheinzelin
• Keywords: Respiratory care

Abstract Introduction Evidence suggests that dying patients' physical and emotional suffering is inadequately treated in intensive care units. Although there are recommendations regarding decisions to forgo life-sustaining therapy, deciding on withdrawal of life support difficult, it also difficult decide who should participate this decision. Methods We distributed a self-administered questionnaire 13 adult units (ICUs) assessing the attitudes physicians nurses end-of-life decisions. Family members from medical-surgical ICU tertiary cancer hospital were invited participate. Questions related two hypothetical clinical scenarios, one with competent patient other an incompetent patient, asking whether ventilator treatment be withdrawn about make Results Physicians (155) (204) 12 ICUs agreed take part study, along 300 family members. The vast majority families (78.6%), (74.8%) (75%) want discuss patients. Most desire involvement more likely propose patients than (74.8% × 60.7%, P = 0.028). When was incompetent, (34.8%) significantly less prone (23.0%) (14.7%) ( < 0.001). Conclusions Physicians, recommended limiting life-support therapy terminally ill favored participation. In concerning maintain therapy.