Affiliation:
1. Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department UCL Division of Psychiatry University College London London UK
2. Department of Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai Thailand
3. Department of Psychological Medicine Royal London Hospital East London NHS Foundation Trust London UK
4. Centre for Ageing Population Studies Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health University College London London UK
Abstract
AbstractObjectivesTo understand the decision‐making processes regarding eating and drinking for hospital patients with severe dementia and use this data to modify a decision‐making model about care for people with severe dementia.MethodsFrom January to May 2021, qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 29 family carers and hospital staff in England who cared for people with severe dementia during hospital admissions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using codebook thematic analysis.ResultsWe demonstrated a modified decision‐making model consisting of six stages of the decision‐making process: (i) identify a decision to be made; (ii) exchange information and recognise emotions; (iii) clarify values and preferences of all involved; (iv) consider feasibility of each choice; (v) share preferred choice and make a final decision; and (vi) deliver the decision, monitor outcomes and renegotiation. From this study, decision‐making needed to be shared among all people involved and address holistic needs and personal values of people with dementia and family carers. However, hospital staff often made assumptions about the persons' ability to eat and drink without adequate consultation with family carers. The process was impacted by ward culture, professional practice, and legal framework, which might overlook cultural and personal beliefs of the persons and families. Treatment escalation plans could help inform stepwise treatments, create realistic expectations, and guide future decisions.ConclusionsOur decision‐making model provides clear stages of decision‐making processes and can be used to guide clinical practice and policy around care decisions for eating and drinking, which is often poorly supported.
Funder
Marie Curie
Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University
Alzheimer's Society
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health,Geriatrics and Gerontology
Cited by
4 articles.
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