Prolonged disorders of consciousness: Practice described by palliative and rehabilitation physicians.

ABSTRACT:

Study objective

National clinical guidelines for the management of prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC) following sudden-onset brain injury were updated in 2020. Since then, clinical experience has grown. This paper reports on current practice.

Study design

A questionnaire was developed, tested and sent to rehabilitation and palliative medicine specialists, via the British Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and Association for Palliative Medicine. Anonymised responses were analysed.

Results

63.5% (n = 61) of respondents were involved in the care of people with PDOC, with two-thirds working in palliative medicine. 44% of clinicians withdraw clinically assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH) in the patient's usual place of care. Where a decision to a

SUBMITTER: Miller M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12925495 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature