scholarly journals Extending the Ring Theory of Personhood to the Care of Dying Patients in Intensive Care Units

Author(s):  
Natalie Pei Xin Chan ◽  
Jeng Long Chia ◽  
Chong Yao Ho ◽  
Lisa Xin Ling Ngiam ◽  
Joshua Tze Yin Kuek ◽  
...  

AbstractIt is evident, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic that has physicians confronting death and dying at unprecedented levels along with growing data suggesting that physicians who care for dying patients face complex emotional, psychological and behavioural effects, that there is a need for their better understanding and the implementation of supportive measures. Taking into account data positing that effects of caring for dying patients may impact a physician’s concept of personhood, or “what makes you, ‘you’”, we adopt Radha Krishna’s Ring Theory of Personhood (RToP) to scrutinise the experiences of physicians working in intensive care units (ICU) using a fictional scenario that was inspired by real events. The impact of death and dying, its catalysts, internal constituents, external factors, dyssynchrony, and buffers, specific to ICU physicians, were identified and explored. Such a framework allows for ramifications to be considered holistically and facilitates the curation of strategies for conflict resolution. This evaluation of the RToP acknowledges the experience and wide-ranging effects it has on ICU physicians. As such, our findings provide insight into their specific needs and highlight the importance of support on a personal and organisational level. Although further research needs to be conducted, the RToP could serve as the basis for a longitudinal assessment tool supported by the use of portfolios or mentorship due to their provision of personalised, appropriate, specific, timely, accessible and long-term support.

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Tze Yin Kuek ◽  
Lisa Xin Ling Ngiam ◽  
Nur Haidah Ahmad Kamal ◽  
Jeng Long Chia ◽  
Natalie Pei Xin Chan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Supporting physicians in Intensive Care Units (ICU)s as they face dying patients at unprecedented levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic is critical. Amidst a dearth of such data and guided by evidence that nurses in ICUs experience personal, professional and existential issues in similar conditions, a systematic scoping review (SSR) is proposed to evaluate prevailing accounts of physicians facing dying patients in ICUs through the lens of Personhood. Such data would enhance understanding and guide the provision of better support for ICU physicians. Methods An SSR adopts the Systematic Evidenced Based Approach (SEBA) to map prevailing accounts of caring for dying patients in ICUs. To enhance the transparency and reproducibility of this process, concurrent and independent use of tabulated summaries, thematic analysis and directed content analysis (Split Approach) is adopted. Results Eight thousand three hundred fifty-eight abstracts were reviewed from four databases, 474 full-text articles were evaluated, 58 articles were included, and the Split Approach revealed six categories/themes centered around the Innate, Individual, Relational and Societal Rings of Personhood, conflicts in providing end of life care and coping mechanisms employed. Conclusion This SSR suggests that caring for dying patients in ICU impacts how physicians view their personhood. To resolve conflicts within individual concepts of personhood, physicians use prioritization, reframing and rely on accessible, personalized support from colleagues to steer coping strategies. An adapted form of the Ring Theory of Personhood is proposed to direct timely personalized, appropriate and holistic support.


2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juyan Julia Zhou ◽  
Sameer J. Patel ◽  
Haomiao Jia ◽  
Scott A. Weisenberg ◽  
E. Yoko Furuya ◽  
...  

Objective.To assess how healthcare professionals caring for patients in intensive care units (ICUs) understand and use antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB).Design.A knowledge, attitude, and practice survey assessed ICU clinicians' knowledge of antimicrobial resistance, confidence interpreting AST results, and beliefs regarding the impact of AST on patient outcomes.Setting.Sixteen ICUs affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.Participants.Attending physicians and subspecialty residents with primary clinical responsibilities in adult or pediatric ICUs as well as infectious diseases subspecialists and clinical pharmacists.Methods.Participants completed an anonymous electronic survey. Responses included 4-level Likert scales dichotomized for analysis. Multivariate analyses were performed using generalized estimating equation logistic regression to account for correlation of respondents from the same ICU.Results.The response rate was 51% (178 of 349 eligible participants); of the respondents, 120 (67%) were ICU physicians. Those caring for adult patients were more knowledgeable about antimicrobial activity and were more familiar with MDR-GNB infections. Only 33% and 12% of ICU physicians were familiar with standardized and specialized AST methods, respectively, but more than 95% believed that AST improved patient outcomes. After adjustment for demographic and healthcare provider characteristics, those familiar with treatment of MDR-GNB bloodstream infections, those aware of resistance mechanisms, and those aware of AST methods were more confident that they could interpret AST results and/or request additional in vitro testing.Conclusions.Our study uncovered knowledge gaps and educational needs that could serve as the foundation for future interventions. Familiarity with MDR-GNB increased overall knowledge, and familiarity with AST increased confidence interpreting the results.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (20) ◽  
pp. 1-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Perkins ◽  
Maureen Gambles ◽  
Rachel Houten ◽  
Sheila Harper ◽  
Alan Haycox ◽  
...  

BackgroundIn England and Wales the two most likely places of death are hospitals (52%) and nursing homes (22%). The Department of Health published its National End of Life Care Strategy in July 2008 (Department of Health.End of Life Care Strategy: Promoting High Quality Care For All Adults at the End of Life. London: Department of Health; 2008) to improve the provision of care, recommending the use of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient (LCP).AimThe original aim was to assess the impact of the LCP on care in two settings: nursing homes and intensive care units (ICUs).DesignQualitative, matched case study.MethodsData were collected from 12 ICUs and 11 nursing homes in England: (1) documentary analysis of provider end-of-life care policy documents; (2) retrospective analysis of 10 deaths in each location using written case notes; (3) interviews with staff about end-of-life care; (4) observation of the care of dying patients; (5) analysis of the case notes pertaining to the observed patient’s death; (6) interview with a member of staff providing care during the observed period; (7) interview with a bereaved relative present during the observation; (8) economic analysis focused on the observed patients; and (9) strict inclusion and selection criteria for nursing homes and ICUs applied to match sites on LCP use/non-LCP use.ResultsIt was not possible to meet the stated aims of the study. Although 23 sites were recruited, observations were conducted in only 12 sites (eight using the LCP). A robust comparison on the basis of LCP use could not, therefore, take place. Although nurses in both settings reported that the LCP supported good care, the LCP was interpreted and used differently across sites, with the greatest variation in ICUs. Although not able to address the original research question, this study provides an unprecedented insight into care at the end of life in two different settings. The majority of nursing homes had implemented some kind of ‘pathway’ for dying patients and most homes participating in the observational stage were using the LCP. However, training in care of the dying was variable and specific issues were identified relating to general practitioner involvement, the use of anticipatory drugs and the assessment of consciousness and the swallowing reflex. In ICUs, end-of-life care was inextricably linked with the withdrawal of active treatment and controlling the pace of death. The data highlight how the decision to withdraw was made and, importantly, how relatives were involved in this process. The fact that most patients died soon after the withdrawal of interventions was reported to limit the appropriateness of the LCP in this setting.LimitationsAlthough the recruitment of matched sites was achieved, variable site participation resulted in a skewed sample. Issues with the sample size and a blurring of LCP use and non-use limit the extent to which the ambitious aims of the study were achieved.ConclusionsThis study makes a unique contribution to understanding the complexity of care at the end of life in two very different settings. More research is needed into the ways in which an organisational culture can be created within which the principles of good end-of-life care become translated into practice.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chong Yao Ho ◽  
Cheryl Shumin Kow ◽  
Chin Howe Joshua Chia ◽  
Jia Ying Low ◽  
Yong Hao Melvin Lai ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The re-introduction of medical students into healthcare systems struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic raises concerns as to whether they will be supported when confronted with death and dying patients in resource-limited settings and with reduced support from senior clinicians. Better understanding of how medical students respond to death and dying will inform educationalists and clinicians on how to best support them. Methods We adopt Krishna’s Systematic Evidence Based Approach to carry out a Systematic Scoping Review (SSR in SEBA) on the impact of death and dying on medical students. This structured search process and concurrent use of thematic and directed content analysis of data from six databases (Split Approach) enhances the transparency and reproducibility of this review. Results Seven thousand six hundred nineteen were identified, 149 articles reviewed and 52 articles included. The Split Approach revealed similar themes and categories that correspond to the Innate, Individual, Relational and Societal domains in the Ring Theory of Personhood. Conclusion Facing death and dying amongst their patients affect how medical students envisage their personhood. This underlines the need for timely, holistic and longitudinal support systems to ensure that problems faced are addressed early. To do so, there must be effective training and a structured support mechanism.


2019 ◽  
Vol 50 ◽  
pp. 151191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Yu ◽  
Deborah Somerville ◽  
Anna King

2017 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 710-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Enke ◽  
Andrés Oliva y Hausmann ◽  
Felix Miedaner ◽  
Bernhard Roth ◽  
Christiane Woopen

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hattie Catherine Ann Moyes ◽  
Lana MacNaboe ◽  
Kate Townsend

Purpose This paper aims to understand the current scale of substance misuse in psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs), identify how substance misuse affects members of staff, patients and the running of wards and explore with staff what resources would be most useful to more effectively manage substance misuse and dual diagnosis on PICUs. Design/methodology/approach The paper used a mixed-methods approach, using a quantitative survey to determine the extent of substance use in PICUs and a co-design workshop to understand the impact of substance misuse on PICU wards, staff and patients. Findings The estimated rate of substance misuse in PICUs over a 12-month period is 67%, with cannabis the most frequently used substance. Despite the range of problems experienced on PICUs because of substance misuse, the availability of training and resources for staff was mixed. Research limitations/implications The findings may not be fully generalisable as research participants were members of a national quality improvement programme, and therefore, may not be representative of all PICUs. Data was collected from clinicians only; if patients were included, they might have provided another perspective on substance misuse on PICUs. Practical implications This paper emphasises the importance of substance misuse training for PICU staff to adequately respond to patients who misuse substances, improve the ward environment, staff well-being and patient outcomes. Originality/value This paper provides an updated estimation of rates of substance misuse in PICUs over a 12-month period and make suggestions for a training programme that can better support staff to address substance misuse on PICUs.


2008 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 338-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Tweed ◽  
Mike Tweed

Background Critically ill patients are at high risk for pressure ulcers. Successful prevention of pressure ulcers requires that caregivers have adequate knowledge of this complication. Objective To assess intensive care nurses’ knowledge of pressure ulcers and the impact of an educational program on knowledge levels. Methods A knowledge assessment test was developed. A cohort of registered nurses in a tertiary referral hospital in New Zealand had knowledge assessed 3 times: before an educational program, within 2 weeks after the program, and 20 weeks later. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine if attributes such as length of time since qualifying or level of intensive care unit experience were associated with test scores. The content and results of the assessment test were evaluated. Results Completion of the educational program resulted in improved levels of knowledge. Mean scores on the assessment test were 84% at baseline and 89% following the educational program. The mean baseline score did not differ significantly from the mean 20-week follow-up score of 85%. No association was detected between demographic data and test scores. Content validity and standard setting were verified by using a variety of methods. Conclusion Levels of knowledge to prevent and manage pressure ulcers were good initially and improved with an educational program, but soon returned to baseline.


2007 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 589-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Malesker ◽  
Pamela A. Foral ◽  
Ann C. McPhillips ◽  
Keith J. Christensen ◽  
Julie A. Chang ◽  
...  

Background The efficiency of protocols for tight glycemic control is uncertain despite their adoption in hospitals. Objectives To evaluate the efficiency of protocols for tight glycemic control used in intensive care units. Methods Three separate studies were performed: (1) a third-party observer used a stopwatch to do a time-motion analysis of patients being treated with a protocol for tight glycemic control in 3 intensive care units, (2) charts were retrospectively reviewed to determine the frequency of deviations from the protocol, and (3) a survey assessing satisfaction with and knowledge of the protocol was administered to full-time nurses. Results Time-motion data were collected for 454 blood glucose determinations from 38 patients cared for by 47 nurses. Mean elapsed times from blood glucose result to therapeutic action were 2.24 (SD, 1.67) minutes for hypoglycemia and 10.65 (SD, 3.24) minutes for hyperglycemia. Mean elapsed time to initiate an insulin infusion was 32.56 (SD, 12.83) minutes. Chart review revealed 734 deviations from the protocol in 75 patients; 57% (n = 418) were deviations from scheduled times for blood glucose measurements. The mean number of deviations was approximately 9 per patient. Of 60 nurses who responded to the workload survey, 42 (70%) indicated that the protocol increased their workload; frequency of blood glucose determinations was the most common reason. Conclusions Nurses spend substantial time administering protocols for tight glycemic control, and considerable numbers of deviations occur during that process. Further educational efforts and ongoing assessment of the impact of such protocols are needed.


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