Mapping ethical issues encompassing end-of-life care for persons experiencing severe and persistent mental illness: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Persons experiencing severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) represent a small but vulnerable group in mental health care and society. Research on this population is limited, despite significant ethical challenges in their care. These challenges include the severity of their illness, limited social networks, communication difficulties, impaired decision-making capacity, and, at times, disruptive behavior.

Purpose

This study aims to explore the ethical themes that emerge in the care of persons experiencing SPMI, both in general and at the end of life. Specifically, we examine which issues arise, how care teams address ethical dilemmas, who is involved in decision-making, and what ethical frameworks or practices are utilized.

Methods

We conducted 73 in-de

SUBMITTER: Moureau L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12128549 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature