THERAPEUTIC OBSTINACY AT THE END OF LIFE - CREATING A TOOL FOR RESEARCHING THE PERCEPTION OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Authors

  • Gema BACOANU “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • V. POROCH “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Maria-Gabriela ANITEI “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Romania
  • Mihaela POROCH “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Eliza-Maria FROICU “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Cristina GAVRILUTA “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Romania
  • Maria-Luisa DI PIETRO Università Cattolica S. Cuore, Italy
  • Beatrice-Gabriela IOAN “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

Abstract

Introduction: The delivery of end-of-life care presents ethical quandaries regarding the delineation between therapeutic efficacy and the potentially ambiguous advantages of subjecting individuals with terminal illnesses to medical interventions. Therapeutic obstinacy at the end of life represents medical interventions that are inappropriate for the patient's clinical condition and circumstances, considering their potential outcomes, expectations, and burdens on the patient and family. These procedures try to prolong life rather than help it progress naturally. End-of-life care workers often have different views on therapeutic obstinacy and futile therapies, which affects their overall view of this type of care. The aim of this study is to create a questionnaire to collect data on health care professionals’ perceptions of therapeutic obstinacy at the end of life. Materials and methods: To fulfill the objective of this work, a qualitative investigation was conducted, comprising the formation of three focus groups and the implementation of two pilot surveys. The aforementioned steps were taken to ensure that the questionnaire devised would effectively address the research objectives by acquiring information that is valid, accurate, and dependable. Results: The questionnaire created collects data on the perception of health care staff about interventions considered to be excessive and futile at the end of life, about the causes and pressure factors in these situations, as well as possible solutions to reduce this phenomenon. Conclusions: The perspectives obtained from the survey conducted in this study hold potential significance for professionals working in the fields of palliative care, oncology, critical care in ICU, emergency medicine, as well as individuals aspiring to pursue training and careers in these domains. Furthermore, the findings derived from our comprehensive study will serve as a significant contribution to the current discourse on ethical considerations within the realm of end-of-life care.

Author Biographies

  • Gema BACOANU, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Regional Institute of Oncology, Iasi

  • V. POROCH, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Regional Institute of Oncology, Iasi

  • Mihaela POROCH, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine

  • Eliza-Maria FROICU, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Regional Institute of Oncology, Iasi

  • Beatrice-Gabriela IOAN, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine

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Additional Files

Published

2023-12-21

Issue

Vol. 127 No. 4 (2023): The Medical-Surgical Journal

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PREVENTIVE MEDICINE - LABORATORY

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