Healthcare professionals' experiences of participating in withdrawing life-sustaining treatment decisions in a Chinese intensive care unit: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The aging population and advancements in medical technology have intensified the emotional complexities faced by physicians and nurses in making decisions regarding life-sustaining treatment (LST).

Aim

This study explores healthcare professionals' emotional and cognitive experiences in decisions to withdraw LST for ICU patients, identifies the factors influencing such decisions, and provides evidence-based recommendations to enhance their effective involvement in end-of-life decision-making. By addressing key challenges in this process, the findings aim to offer actionable insights and practical guidance for medical practitioners, policymakers, and healthcare institutions, particularly within the Chinese cultural context, to improve patient-centered care in end-of

SUBMITTER: Zhang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12784532 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature