Critical Care Nurses Urge Physicians Not Allow Families to Override Patient Wishes. Many

A new study in the July/August 2017 Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing  reports suggestions from 500 critical care nurses on how to improve end-of-life care obstacles.   Major themes include:Ensuring characteristics of a good death Improving physician communication with patients and families Adjusting nurse-to-patient ratios to 1:1 Recognizing and avoiding futile care Increasing EOL education Physicians who are present and ‘‘on the same page" Need for more support staff Not allowing families to override patients’ wishes I want to second this final suggestion.  In my discussions with nurses this is a very common question.  The study's quotes are consistent with my own experience:"The most troubling aspect is when patients’ wishes are not followed." "Respect patients’ wishes NOT families!" "Follow the patient’s DNR/POLST form regardless of the family’s wishes. The patient filled it out for a reason." As I have written several times, surrogates who contradict the patient's own instructions or wishes can and should be replaced.  
Source: blog.bioethics.net - Category: Medical Ethics Authors: Tags: Health Care syndicated Source Type: blogs