Comparing Perceptions, Determinants, and Needs of Patients, Family Members, Nurses, and Physicians When Making Life-Sustaining Treatment Decisions for Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

• Published in: Han'guk Hosŭpʻisŭ Wanhwa Uiryo Hakhoe chi = The Korean journal of hospice and palliative care Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 12 - 24
• Main Authors: Kim, Semi, Ham, Eun Hye, Kim, Dong Yeon, Jang, Seung Nam, Kim, Min kyeong, Choi, Hyun Ah, Cho, Yun A, Lee, Seung A, Yun, R.N. Min Jeong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Society for Hospice and Palliative Care 01.03.2022; 한국호스피스완화의료학회
• Subjects: Review; 방사선과학; Decision making; Hematologic neoplasms; Life support care; Palliative care; Terminal care; Perceptions; Communication
• ISSN: 1229-1285; 2765-3080; 2765-3072; 2287-6189; 2765-3080
• DOI: 10.14475/jhpc.2022.25.1.12

This descriptive study compared the perceptions, determinants, and needs of patients, family members, nurses, and physicians regarding life-sustaining treatment decisions for patients with hematologic malignancies in the hematology-oncology department of a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea. In total, 147 subjects were recruited, gave written consent, and provided data by completing a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, the chi-square test, and the Fisher exact test. Nurses (F=3.35) and physicians (F=3.57) showed significantly greater familiarity with the Act on Decisions on Life-Sustaining Treatment than patients (F=2.69) and family members (F=2.59); (F=19.58, P<0.001). Many respondents, including 19 (51.4%) family members, 16 (43.2%) physicians, and 11 (29.7%) nurses, agreed that the patient's opinion had the greatest effect when making life-sustaining treatment decisions. Twelve (33.3%) patients answered that mental, physical, and financial burdens were the most important factors in life-sustaining treatment decisions, and there was a significant difference among the four groups (P<0.001). Twenty-four patients (66.7%), 27 (73.0%) family members, and 21(56.8%) nurses answered that physicians were the most appropriate people to provide information regarding life-sustaining treatment decisions. Unexpectedly, 19 (51.4%) physicians answered that hospice nurse practitioners were the most appropriate people to talk to about life-sustaining treatment (P<0.001). It is of utmost importance that the patient and physician determine when life-sustaining treatment should be withdrawn, with the patient making the ultimate decision. Doctors and nurses have the responsibility to provide detailed information. The goal of end-of-life planning is to ensure patients' dignity and respect their values.