The perspectives of clinical staff and bereaved informal care-givers on the use of continuous sedation until death for cancer patients: The study protocol of the UNBIASED study
2011

Understanding Continuous Sedation Until Death in Cancer Patients

Sample size: 30 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jane Seymour, Judith Rietjens, Jayne Brown, Agnes van der Heide, Sigrid Sterckx, Luc Deliens

Primary Institution: University of Nottingham

Hypothesis

What are the perspectives of clinical staff and bereaved informal caregivers on the use of continuous sedation until death for cancer patients?

Conclusion

The study aims to explore decision-making and experiences related to continuous sedation until death in cancer patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study includes perspectives from both healthcare professionals and bereaved caregivers.
  • It aims to address the ethical concerns surrounding continuous sedation until death.
  • The research is part of an international collaboration involving the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Takeaway

This study looks at how doctors and nurses decide to use sedation for patients who are very sick and how families feel about it.

Methodology

The study uses a two-phase design including focus groups and case studies to gather qualitative data from healthcare staff and informal caregivers.

Potential Biases

Differences in ethical review frameworks across countries may introduce bias.

Limitations

The study may have incomplete data and cannot generalize findings due to its qualitative nature and small sample size.

Participant Demographics

Participants include deceased adult cancer patients, informal caregivers, nurses, and physicians involved in care.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-684X-10-5

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