Continuous Deep Sedation Until Death-a Swiss Death Certificate Study.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:In the last decade, the number of patients continuously deeply sedated until death increased up to fourfold. The reasons for this increase remain unclear. OBJECTIVE:To identify socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of sedated patients, and concurrent possibly life-shortening medical end-of-life decisions. DESIGN:Cross-sectional death certificate study in German-speaking Switzerland in 2001 and 2013. PARTICIPANTS:Non-sudden and expected deaths (2001: N = 2281, 2013: N = 2256) based on a random sample of death certificates and followed by an anonymous survey on end-of-life practices among attending physicians. MAIN MEASURES:Physicians' reported proportion of patients continuously deeply sedated until death, socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and possibly life

SUBMITTER: Ziegler S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6025678 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature