Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 14, 2026
Mechanical Ventilation Boot Camp Curriculum
Published on: March 12, 2018
Familial Roles in Surrogate Decision-Making for Mechanically Ventilated Patients in the Respiratory Intensive Care
Lumeng Wang1, Qiuping Wu1, Wenjuan Han1
1The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Background:
In China, when patients need mechanical ventilation treatment, alternative decision-makers are influenced by many factors before making a decision.
Aim:
This study aimed to explore the experiences of family members in making decisions about mechanical ventilation proxies in respiratory intensive care units.
Study Design:
We employed a phenomenological study design and collected data through semi-structured interviews with purposively selected 12 family members of mechanically ventilated patients who were admitted to the RICU of a tertiary grade A hospital in Chongqing in June and July 2024. The Colaizzi seven-step analysis method was utilised, and the NVIVO 12.0 software was used for data processing.
Results:
This study identified three main themes: (1). Complex emotions related to decision-making (intersecting expectations and hopes, coexisting fears and worries); (2). Social and cultural influences (benevolence and filial piety, peace and a good death, family consultation and patient autonomy); and (3). Personal background factors (economic burden, knowledge levels, perceptions of emotional patients and limited doctor-patient communication).
Conclusions:
When patients in the RICU undergo mechanical ventilation, family members encounter a decision-making dilemma influenced by various factors.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
Our research aims to explore the decision-making experience of family members with mechanical ventilation in the RICU. Intensive care nurses can refer to our research results or verify them, thereby helping patients and their families make better decisions.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
01:23Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
01:23Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:14Ventilatory Modes
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...