What matters when doctors die: A qualitative study of family perspectives.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The challenges of supporting the end-of-life preferences of patients and their families have often been attributed to poor understanding of the patient's condition. Understanding how physicians, as patients, communicate their end-of-life care preferences to their families may inform shared decision making at end of life.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to understand what matters to families of physicians when decision making with and for a physician who is approaching the end of life.

Design

Cross-sectional qualitative design.

Participants

We conducted interviews with family members of deceased physicians.

Approach

We analyzed the data using the constant comparison method to identify themes.

Key results

Family members (N = 26)

SUBMITTER: Abshire MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7310709 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature