AI Article Synopsis
- The study investigates paramedics' perspectives on advance directives and end-of-life care, focusing on their experiences and suggestions regarding resuscitation and palliative crisis cards.
- The survey involved 728 paramedics from Hamburg and Goettingen, revealing that a majority view resuscitation efforts for end-of-life patients as unhelpful and suggest integrating more legal discussions in paramedic training.
- The findings highlight the need for improved guidelines and training for paramedics to navigate complexities in end-of-life decision-making effectively.
Article Abstract
Background: Advance directives and palliative crisis cards are means by which palliative care patients can exert their autonomy in end-of-life decisions.
Aim: To examine paramedics' attitudes towards advance directives and end-of-life care.
Design: Questionnaire-based investigation using a self-administered survey instrument.
Setting/participants: Paramedics of two cities (Hamburg and Goettingen, Germany) were included. Participants were questioned as to (1) their attitudes about advance directives, (2) their clinical experiences in connection with end-of-life situations (e.g. resuscitation), (3) their suggestions in regard to advance directives, 'Do not attempt resuscitation' orders and palliative crisis cards.
Results: Questionnaires were returned by 728 paramedics (response rate: 81%). The majority of paramedics (71%) had dealt with advance directives and end-of-life decisions in emergency situations. Most participants (84%) found that cardiopulmonary resuscitation in end-of-life patients is not useful and 75% stated that they would withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the case of legal possibility. Participants also mentioned that more extensive discussion of legal aspects concerning advance directives should be included in paramedic training curricula. They suggested that palliative crisis cards should be integrated into end-of-life care.
Conclusions: Decision making in prehospital end-of-life care is a challenge for all paramedics. The present investigation demonstrates that a dialogue bridging emergency medical and palliative care issues is necessary. The paramedics indicated that improved guidelines on end-of-life decisions and the termination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in palliative care patients may be essential. Participants do not feel adequately trained in end-of-life care and the content of advance directives. Other recent studies have also demonstrated that there is a need for training curricula in end-of-life care for paramedics.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269216311419885 | DOI Listing |
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