Paper Summary:

This paper discusses families' experiences with the withdrawal of life support from a loved one in ICU (intensive care unit) and how it is not uniform for all families because of the operation of certain factors which influence the decision-making process. Finally, the paper discusses the impact of the support that these families receive and how it is the major factor that influences the quality of the family's experience.

Table of Contents:
Statement of the Problem and Purpose
Literature Review
Research Question
Theoretical Framework
Hypothesis #1
Data Collection
Research Design #1
Statistical Analysis #1
Hypothesis #2
Sampling Strategy #2
Data Collection #2
Research Design #2
Statistical Analysis #2
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Making decisions related to the withdrawal of life support in the ICU is one of the most demanding experiences the family will ever face. Nurses play a key role in the effectiveness of the decision making process and it is their understanding of the stages involved in that process which can determine the quality of the outcome. As McHale Wiegand (2006) maintains, as more families become involved in end-of-life decisions, it is essential that current research be assessed, the gaps in knowledge be identified, and that new directions for ongoing research should be established. Little is actually known about the interaction of nurses with families in this situation; what is certain is that the interaction is not uniform and that nurses need to realize what will be most effective with families who are experiencing high levels of stress."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Abbott, K., J. Sago, C. Breen & Abernethy, A. (2001). Families looking back: One year after discussion of withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining support. Critical Care Medicine, 29 (1), 197-201.
• Brown, K. (2002). Nursing Theory. http://www.tusc.kent.edu/nursing/nrst10002/npnotes/classes/npclasss02.html
• Cook, D. & Giacomini, M. (1999). Life support in the intensive care unit: A qualitative investigation of technological purposes. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 161 (9), 1109-11-13.
• Curtis, R. & Engelberg, R. (2005). Missed opportunities during family conferences about end-of-life care in the intensive care unit. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 171, 844-849.
• Lautrette, A. & Darmon, M. (2007). A communication strategy and brochure for relatives of patients dying in the ICU. The New England Journal of Medicine, 356 (5), 469-478.

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