1. Evaluating the impact of a standardised intervention for announcing decisions of withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treatments on the stress of relatives in emergency departments (DISCUSS): protocol for a stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial
CEUs: 2 Ethics
Average read time: 40 minutes.
Short Summary of the Article:
This study protocol outlines a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial, named DISCUSS, designed to assess the impact of a standardized intervention for announcing decisions on withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in emergency departments (EDs). This intervention targets the stress experienced by relatives, aiming to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The intervention is co-designed with partner families and involves healthcare professionals (HCPs). It includes human simulation training for HCPs and strategies to provide more structured communication with relatives. The trial will measure PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and satisfaction with the communication process. The main goal is to compare PTSD symptoms between families who received the intervention and those who received standard care.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this activity, you should have an understanding of:
- Communication Strategies in End-of-Life Care: How standardized interventions and structured communication can reduce stress and PTSD symptoms in families involved in decisions about withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments.
- The Ethical Considerations in EDs: The ethical challenges and emotional toll involved in communicating end-of-life decisions in emergency settings, and how simulation-based training can help healthcare providers manage these situations effectively.
- Impact on Healthcare Providers: The importance of human simulation training for HCPs to improve their confidence, reduce real-life stress, and enhance communication assertiveness with families during critical medical decisions.
(Max of 3 Attempts)
