The seriously ill hospitalized patient: preferred role in end-of-life decision making?

摘要: Purpose: The objective of this study was to further our understanding the decision-making process near end life. Specifically, we ascertained seriously ill patients' preferred role in process, what factors were associated with role, and how stated preference related physicians' perception role. Materials Methods: Prospective cohort hospitalized patients end-stage congestive heart disease, chronic pulmonary cirrhosis, or metastatic cancer. Eligible interviewed ascertain their personal views on end-of-life decision making, desired level symptoms experienced. Results: A total 135 enrolled study. majority (103, 76%) had thought about issues although only 48 (36%) discussed them doctor hospital. With respect scenario a competent patient, 14 (10%) leave all decisions doctor, 12 (9%) that make final after considering opinion, 43 (32%) shared responsibility decision, 32 (24%) doctor's 21 (16%) treatment alone, 13 did not answer. Physicians able accurately predict patient's nor could variability patient choice be accounted for by demographic symptom covariates. Conclusion: Seriously desire discuss physicians but making is variable difficult predict. Copyright 2003 Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.