Family members' experiences of "wait and see" as a communication strategy in end-of-life decisions.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine family members' experiences of end-of-life decision-making processes in Norwegian intensive care units (ICUs) to ascertain the degree to which they felt included in the decision-making process and whether they received necessary information. Were they asked about the patient's preferences, and how did they view their role as family members in the decision-making process?

Methods

A constructivist interpretive approach to the grounded theory method of qualitative research was employed with interviews of 27 bereaved family members of former ICU patients 3-12 months after the patient's death.

Results

The core finding is that relatives want a more active role in end-of-life decision-making in order to communicate the patient's wi

SUBMITTER: Lind R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3126999 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature