Family members of critically ill patients want to discuss loved ones' uncertain...(e that their loved one might die and so ...),Health

Date:12/28/2008

e that their loved one might die, and so begin the bereavement process," Dr. White said. "I think one of the strongest messages that comes from this study is that family members want to have this discussion with the physician, and want to have the opportunity to take care of unfinished personal and familial business before their loved one dies. They need that chance to say their goodbyes, in case the patient does die."

Dr. White also noted that while the majority of family members indicated that they did want physicians to discuss all possible outcomes, a not-insignificant portion 12 percent said they did not want to discuss uncertain prognoses, indicating that a "one-size-fits-all" approach is insufficient in critical care situations.

"Our findings suggest that physicians need to develop the skills to understand the unique needs of surrogates, and then tailor their approach to discussing prognosis to meet those needs," he said. "This is an area in need of well-designed quantitative and qualitative studies."

Dr. White and his colleagues are currently involved in a follow-up study to help family members navigate the process of surrogate decision making in the ICU setting.

John Heffner, M.D., past president of the ATS, emphasized that the results of this study parallel previous investigations that examined patient and family preferences in discussing do-not-resuscitate orders and end-of-life care. "In almost all studies, patients and families express a desire for clear information to inform their decisions. Although physicians often wish to shelter their patients and patient families from what might seem to be harsh realities, the human spirit is resilient. Patients and families access to information from their doctors."

'/>"/>

Contact: Keely Savoie ksavoie@thoracic.org 212-315-8620 American Thoracic Society Source:Eurekalert

0 GOOD

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Family rejection of LGB children linked to poor health in early childhood
2. Beta Release of a New Genetics Website- ItRunsInMyFamily.com
3. New Easter Seals-MassMutual Study: Autism Strains Family Finances, Threatens Long-Term Care and Security
4. Obesity is a Family Affair
5. AT&T Supports the Smith Familys Learning For Life Program
6. Ten Ways You Can Help a Family During the Holidays After a Child Dies
7. Strikeithealthyfamily.com Provides Parents With Sense of Relief
8. Siskin Center for Child and Family Research to Focus on Early Childhood Development and Special Education
9. LegalView Updates Brain Injury Site with Information on TBI Disabled Soldier's Family
10. Almost Family Announces Acquisition of Kentucky Home Health Certificate of Need
11. Kaiser Family Foundation Partners With Media Around The Globe to Address HIV/AIDS