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Related Experiment Videos

Talking to comatose patients.

J La Puma1, D L Schiedermayer, A E Gulyas

  • 1Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics, IL.

Archives of Neurology
|January 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Even though comatose patients may hear, physicians often do not speak to them. Talking to comatose patients is a humane practice that can positively influence care and benefit families and staff.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Ethics
  • Neuroscience
  • Patient Care

Background:

  • Comatose patients are often not spoken to by physicians due to perceived lack of response or clinical benefit.
  • This communication gap may lead to the dehumanization of comatose patients, potentially influencing care decisions.
  • However, evidence suggests comatose patients may retain auditory processing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the reasons why physicians may not communicate with comatose patients.
  • To examine the potential benefits of speaking to comatose patients.
  • To advocate for improved communication practices with all patients, regardless of their condition.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and clinical observations regarding physician-patient communication in comatose states.
Keywords:
Professional Patient Relationship

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of auditory response data in comatose individuals.
  • Ethical considerations of withholding communication from vulnerable patient populations.

    • Main Results:

    • Comatose patients can exhibit normal auditory evoked responses, indicating they may perceive sound.
    • Not speaking to comatose patients can contribute to a perception of them being non-existent or near death.
    • This can lead to inappropriate withholding or withdrawal of medical therapy.

    Conclusions:

    • Physicians should consider talking to comatose patients, as they may be able to hear.
    • This practice can prevent the dehumanization of patients and potential misjudgments in care.
    • Engaging with all patients, including the comatose, serves as a valuable humane example for families and medical trainees.