Related Experiment Videos
Ambivalence and dialysis discontinuation
L M Cohen1, S Fischel, M Germain
1Department of Psychiatry, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield MA 01199, USA.
General Hospital Psychiatry
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Patient ambivalence regarding dialysis discontinuation is common, yet under-addressed. This study highlights the complexity of these decisions and the need for sensitive medical communication.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Bioethics
- Psychology
Background:
- Dialysis discontinuation is a leading cause of death in chronic dialysis patients.
- Patient ambivalence surrounding this decision is frequently overlooked in medical literature.
- Existing literature vacillates between viewing life support cessation as pathological versus rational.