Physician perceptions and knowledge about limiting life support

Abstract This qualitative, descriptive study identified perceptions and knowledge of intensive care unit physicians about limiting life support. Results revealed different understandings and reasons for limiting life support: shared and isolated decision-making; obstacles such as family, professionals, legal issues and unpredictability of death; and specific case reports with benefits, dilemmas, and specificities by clinical picture and age group. Physicians agree on the need to limit life support but lack training on the topic and differences in understanding remain. The multiple reasons for its use and difficulties in decision-making and definition of conduct are permeated by ethical, cultural and personal conflicts, demonstrating the need for better education on the theme at different levels of health professional training.

摘要：本项定性描述性研究揭示了重症监护病房医师对限制生命维持治疗的认知与理解。研究发现，医师对于限制生命维持治疗的理解及原因存在差异：包括共享与独立决策；诸如家庭、专业人士、法律问题以及死亡不可预测性等障碍；以及基于临床图像和年龄组的具体案例报告，涉及利益、困境及特殊性。医师普遍认同限制生命维持治疗的必要性，但缺乏相关培训，且在理解上存在分歧。限制生命维持治疗的使用原因多样，决策过程及行为定义的困难交织着伦理、文化及个人冲突，彰显了在各级医疗专业培训中对该主题进行更深入教育之必要性。