Title

HONORING PATIENT CARE PREFERENCES: SURROGATES SPEAK

Authors

Authors

J. W. Buckey;O. Molina

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

Omega-J. Death Dying

Keywords

FAMILY DECISION-MAKING; LONG-TERM-CARE; LIFE-SUPPORT; CRITICALLY-ILL; SOCIAL-WORK; SUBSTITUTED JUDGMENT; MEDICAL-CARE; END; WITHDRAWAL; HEALTH; Psychology, Multidisciplinary; Social Sciences, Biomedical

Abstract

A growing body of evidence has pointed to the stressful experience surrounding surrogate decision-making on behalf of incapacitated patients. This study (N = 59) asked surrogates to speak about their experiences immediately after having made a life-sustaining treatment decision. Grounded theory analysis revealed four themes: (1) the emotional impact of the decision-making process on the surrogate; (2) the difficulty of watching a loved one's health deteriorate; (3) the importance of having a Living Will (LW) or other written/verbal instructions; and (4) the reliance on spirituality as a means of coping with the surrogate experience. Findings of this study suggest that engaging surrogates at the time of patient admission may be essential in order to clarify patient preferences and strengthen communication between surrogates and the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Journal Title

Omega-Journal of Death and Dying

Volume

65

Issue/Number

4

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

257

Last Page

280

WOS Identifier

WOS:000309905800002

ISSN

0030-2228

Share

COinS