Are physicians' estimations of future events value-impregnated? Cross-sectional study of double intentions when providing treatment that shortens a dying patient's life.

The aim of the present study was to corroborate or undermine a previously presented conjecture that physicians' estimations of others' opinions are influenced by their own opinions. We used questionnaire based cross-sectional design and described a situation where an imminently dying patient was provided with alleviating drugs which also shortened life and, additionally, were intended to do so. We asked what would happen to physicians' own trust if they took the action described, and also what the physician estimated would happen to the general publics' trust in health services.

To treat or not to treat a newborn child with severe brain damage? A cross-sectional study of physicians' and the general population's perceptions of intentions.

Ethical dilemmas are common in the neonatal intensive care setting. The aim of the present study was to investigate the opinions of Swedish physicians and the general public on treatment decisions regarding a newborn with severe brain damage. We used a vignette-based questionnaire which was sent to a random sample of physicians (n = 628) and the general population (n = 585).

Withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treatment: a comparative study of the ethical reasoning of physicians and the general public.

Background: Our objective was to investigate whether a consensus exists between the general public and health care providers regarding the reasoning and values at stake on the subject of life-sustaining treatment.

Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of members of the adult population (n = 989) and to a random sample of intensive care doctors and neurosurgeons (n = 410) practicing in Sweden in 2004. The questionnaire was based on a case involving a severely ill patient and presented arguments for and against withholding and withdrawing treatment, and providing treatment that might hasten death.

Plasma exchange as rescue therapy in multiple organ failure including acute renal failure.

Objective: To describe the outcome of using a rescue therapy including plasma exchange given to patients with a progressive acute disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: University and county hospital.