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2 "Life Support Care"
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Reversals in Decisions about Life-Sustaining Treatment and Associated Factors among Older Patients with Terminal Stage of Cardiopulmonary Disease
Jung-Ja Choi, Su Hyun Kim, Shin-Woo Kim
J Korean Acad Nurs 2019;49(3):329-339.   Published online January 15, 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2019.49.3.329
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Abstract Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency, patterns, and factors of reversals in decisions about life-sustaining treatment (LST) among older patients with terminal-stage chronic cardiopulmonary disease.

Methods

This was a retrospective correlational descriptive study based on medical chart review. De-identified patient electronic medical record data were collected from 124 deceased older patients with terminal-stage cardiopulmonary disease who had made reversals of LST decisions in an academic tertiary hospital in 2015. Data were extracted about the reversed LST decisions, LST treatments applied before death, and patients’ demographic and clinical factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with the reversal to higher intensity of LST treatment.

Results

The use of inotropic agents was the most frequently reversed LST treatment, followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intubation, ventilator therapy, and hemodialysis. Inconsistency between the last LST decisions and actual treatments occurred most often in hemodialysis. One-third of the reversals in LST decisions were made toward higher intensity of LST treatment. Patients who had lung diseases (vs. heart diseases); were single, divorced, or bereaved (vs. married); and had an acquaintance as a primary decision maker (vs. the patients themselves) were significantly more likely to reverse the LST decisions to higher intensity of LST treatment.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the complex and turmoil situation of the LST decision-making process among older patients with terminal-stage cardiopulmonary disease and suggests the importance of support for patients and families in their LST decision-making process.

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The Subjectivity of Attitudes Toward Life Support Care
Jieun Choi, Yun Jung, Boon Han Kim, Hye Won Jeon, Yoon Sook Kim
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2007;37(7):1166-1176.   Published online December 31, 2007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2007.37.7.1166
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Purpose

The purpose of this study was to categorize adult's subjectivity of their attitudes towards life sustaining treatment, and thereby understand the differences among these life sustaining treatment types using Q methodology.

Methods

Q-methodology, which provides a method of analyzing the subjectivity of each item, was used. Thirty selected Q-statements received from 52 adults were classified into a shape of normal distribution using a 7 point scale. The collected data was analyzed using a QUANL pc program.

Result

Four types of attitudes toward life sustaining treatment were identified. Type I is called one's autonomy type. Type II is called potentiality of resuscitation type. Type III is called DNR (Do not resuscitation) type. Type IV is calledone's effort type.

Conclusion

Four types of attitudes toward life sustaining treatment were identified. Type I is called one's autonomy type. Type II is called potentiality of resuscitation type. Type III is called DNR (Do not resuscitation) type. Type IV is calledone's effort type.

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