Clinical and ethical challenges in decision-making for patients with disorders of consciousness and locked-in syndrome from Chinese neurologists' perspectives.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The diagnosis of and life-sustaining treatment (LST) for patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) and locked-in syndrome (LIS) have been the subject of intense debate.

Objective

We aim to investigate the application of diagnostic knowledge, opinions about the administration of LST, and ethical challenges related to DoC and LIS.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Methods

A survey was conducted among Chinese neurologists. Questionnaires included three vignettes (unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS); minimally conscious state (MCS), and LIS). They were randomly distributed among neurologists from August 2018 to December 2019.

Results

A sample of 360 questionnaires was included (response rate: 78%). Overall, 63% of the participants chose the

SUBMITTER: Li M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11462555 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature