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The second patient? Family members of cancer patients and their role in end-of-life decision making

Laryionava, Katsiaryna ; Pfeil, Timo A. ; Dietrich, Mareike ; Reiter-Theil, Stella ; Hiddemann, Wolfgang ; Winkler, Eva C.

In: BMC Palliative Care, 17 (2018), Nr. 29. pp. 2-9. ISSN 1472-684X

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Download (404kB) | Lizenz: Creative Commons LizenzvertragThe second patient? Family members of cancer patients and their role in end-of-life decision making by Laryionava, Katsiaryna ; Pfeil, Timo A. ; Dietrich, Mareike ; Reiter-Theil, Stella ; Hiddemann, Wolfgang ; Winkler, Eva C. underlies the terms of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

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Abstract

Background: Family members are important companions of severely ill patients with cancer. However, studies about the desirability and difficulties of integrating relatives in the decision-making process are rare in oncology. This qualitative study explores the family role in decisions to limit treatment near the end of life from the professionals’ point of view.

Methods: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with oncologists (n = 12) and nurses (n = 6) working at the Department of Hematology/Oncology at the University Hospital in Munich, Germany. The data were analyzed using a descriptive qualitative methodology and discussed from a medical ethics perspective.

Results: Four major themes played a central role in the perception of the medical staff in regard to family members. (1) Family impact on patients’ treatment preferences. (2) Strong family wish for further treatment. (3) Emotional distress of the family related to the involvement in end-of-life decision-making. (4) Importance of knowing family structures.

Conclusions: The important role of the family members in patients’ disease process is recognized by oncologists and oncology nurses. However, this does not seem to lead to an early involvement of the family members. Developing and establishing a systematic assessment of family members’ needs and wishes in order to provide a specific-tailored support should become a priority for interdisciplinary clinical research in the near future.

Document type: Article
Journal or Publication Title: BMC Palliative Care
Volume: 17
Number: 29
Publisher: BioMed Central
Place of Publication: London
Date Deposited: 30 May 2018 08:46
Date: 2018
ISSN: 1472-684X
Page Range: pp. 2-9
Faculties / Institutes: Medizinische Fakultät Heidelberg > Medizinische Universitäts-Klinik und Poliklinik
DDC-classification: 610 Medical sciences Medicine
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