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. 2021 Feb 1;23(1):89-97.
doi: 10.1097/NJH.0000000000000717.

Feasibility of an Intervention Study to Support Families When Their Loved One Has Life-sustaining Therapy Withdrawn

Barbara Scharf, Shijun Zhu, Sarah Tomlin, Jooyoung Cheon, Kim Mooney-Doyle, Judith Gedney Baggs, Debra Weigand

Feasibility of an Intervention Study to Support Families When Their Loved One Has Life-sustaining Therapy Withdrawn

Barbara Scharf et al. J Hosp Palliat Nurs. .

Abstract

This investigation addressed family member perceptions of preparation for withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in the intensive care unit. These families are at a high risk for psychosocial and physical sequelae. The quantitative results of this mixed methods study are reported. A control group received usual care and an educational booklet component of the intervention. The experimental group received the above plus exposure to comfort cart items and additional psychological support. Twenty-eight family members enrolled over a 13-month period. Sixty-one percent (10 intervention, 7 control) completed the follow-up. Fourteen family members (82%) recalled the booklet. Some family members reported moderate to severe depression (12.5%), anxiety (12.5%), and stress (12.6%). Satisfaction with care (83.7%-85.2%) and family member well-being (44.1) were within the norm. Short Form-36 physical component score was higher than the norm, and the mental component score was lower than the norm. This study demonstrated feasibility and acceptability of the interventions and follow-up questionnaires when families make the difficult decision to withdraw treatment. Strategies are suggested to strengthen statistical power.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

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Education intervention booklet: “Let us help you Prepare”
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Education intervention booklet: “Let us help you Prepare”
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Education intervention booklet: “Let us help you Prepare”
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Education intervention booklet: “Let us help you Prepare”
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Education intervention booklet: “Let us help you Prepare”
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Education intervention booklet: “Let us help you Prepare”
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Education intervention booklet: “Let us help you Prepare”
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Education intervention booklet: “Let us help you Prepare”
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Education intervention booklet: “Let us help you Prepare”
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Figure 1.
Education intervention booklet: “Let us help you Prepare”
Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Education intervention booklet: “Let us help you Prepare”
Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Education intervention booklet: “Let us help you Prepare”
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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