eISSN 2097-6046
ISSN 2096-7446
CN 10-1655/R
Responsible Institution:China Association for Science and Technology
Sponsor:Chinese Nursing Association

Chinese Journal of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing ›› 2023, Vol. 4 ›› Issue (11): 973-977.doi: 10.3761/j.issn.2096-7446.2023.11.002

• Research Paper • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Qualitative research on experience of the dilemma of surrogate decision-making among mechanical ventilation patients' family members

TANG Li, YU Xiaoyan, WANG Huaqin, LI Jinxiu   

  1. Critical Care Medicine Department,The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University,Changsha, 410011,China
  • Received:2023-05-10 Online:2023-11-10 Published:2023-11-24

Abstract: Objective To explore the experiences of surrogate decision-making dilemma among mechanically ventilated patients' family members,and to provide a guidance for improving the decision quality and satisfaction of proxy decision-makers. Methods From May 2020 to October 2020,semi-structured interviews were conducted with family surrogate decision-makers of mechanically ventilated patients in ICU of a tertiary care hospital in Hunan Province. The interview data were coded,categorized,interpreted,and analyzed by Colaizzi phenomenological analysis. Results The following three themes are obtained from the analysis: diverse types of decision-making behavior,complex inner activities of decision-making, multi-dimensional decision-making challenges. Conclusion It is necessary to pay attention to and identify the dilemmas and needs of family surrogate decision-makers for mechanically ventilated patients,enhance communication and trust between medical staff and surrogate decision-makers,and optimize psychological support and coping strategies for family surrogate decision-makers,so as to improve the decision-making ability and satisfaction of surrogate decision-makers.

Key words: Intensive Care Units, Mechanical Ventilated, Surrogate Decision-Making, Qualitative Research, Critical Care Nursing