Factors Affecting the Family's Decision Regarding Disclaimers of Life-sustaining Medical Treatments for Terminally-ill Patients
| Autor: | CHOU, HSIU-CHEN, 周秀珍 |
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| Rok vydání: | 2017 |
| Druh dokumentu: | 學位論文 ; thesis |
| Popis: | 105 “ For in Him we live and move and have our being…” (Acts 17:28). Life of a man is created and given by God, the most high, and is in His hands. Matthew 6:27 says, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Lifespan of a man is not his own decision. Modern medical technology offers a variety of cares to extend a person’s life; however, this usually only prolongs sufferings of terminally-ill patient. In addition, because of this, family of terminally-ill patients, obviously not wanting to part with their loved ones, will have to face the difficult decision of when to continue with treatment and when to let go. It is hoped that this study will provide loving, supportive and objective advice to assist patients and their families in making the best decision without regrets as well as giving them peace within their body, heart, and soul in making this decision. The current study utilizes qualitative research method, and data were collected following in-depth interviews with research participants. In-depth sampling method was used to select research participants. Template analysis was used to evaluate what factors affect family’s decision of ending medical care for terminally-ill patients. Results: Patient’s belief regarding life and death as well as being fulfilled spiritually is a critical factor in dying peacefully. Another factor relies on the doctor giving a clear diagnosis that the patient is critically ill, and cannot be cured with modern technology. Other important factors include respecting patient’s will regarding medical decision, clear understanding of the benefits and risk of the decisions, capability of accepting the quality of life following a medical decision, relationship between the decision maker and the patient, etc. Discussion: Doctors explains diagnosis as well as advices in terms of treatments to family members rather than the patient himself/herself. The unwillingness of a patient to receive emergency care came from seeing its resulting pain and side effects on other relatives. Decisions on life-sustaining medical treatments were made following discussion with the entire family. In the end, either the patient’s will or the elders’ opinion will be followed. Out of six terminally-ill patients, two decided to stay at home for their last days. The general public tend to make their own medical decisions when the illness is not yet end stage. For terminally-ill patients, they prefer to let medical professionals or family members make the decision. Living in the cultural and medical environment in Taiwan, family members of patients with end-stage disease are responsible for taking care of the patients’ needs, informing patients of diagnosis, and making the decision whether to rely on life-sustaining medical treatments, in addition to the pain that they are experiencing seeing their loved ones suffering. The pressure they are undergoing is immense, and they also need to be empathized and cared for. |
| Databáze: | Networked Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations |
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