Standing on the edge between life and death: Dilemma of resuscitation for cancer patients and their families

• Main Authors: Pei Pei, Lu, 呂佩佩
• Other Authors: 唐婉如
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2004
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/10872292952236861772

碩士 === 長庚大學 === 護理學研究所 === 92 === The purpose of this study is to explore the dilemma regarding resuscitation of terminally ill patients among cancer patients and their families in the medical system in Taiwan. Fifteen cancer patients and fifteen of their families participated in the study from a hospital in northern Taiwan. The data were collected from in-depth interviews, memo, and from observations in which the participants exposed their feelings and emotions. Through the use of interpretative phenomenology, data collection and data analysis go hand in hand. Three themes emerged from patients’ data: the last drama of life, behind the scenes, and the focus when facing life and death. In addition, four themes evolved from caregivers’ data: the culture of life and death, the last performance of life, the perception of resuscitation, and the final journey with there loved ones. The results are as follows, first, the decision regarding resuscitation is not a simple question of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but involves complex issues among cancer patients and their family, and is influenced by the society and the culture as a whole. Secondly, cancer patients usually wish to have more time to spend with their family but they don’t want to be a burden on their family. Thirdly, cancer patients’ and their families’ knowledge of resuscitation comes mostly from the media or from other patients not directly from their health-care providers. Fourthly, it is harder for patient and their families to accept endotracheal procedures than to accept the use of injection of resuscitation drugs on themselves. Fifthly, when patient and their family have good communication, they are more likely to accept the fact of dying; therefore, they would be more likely to move on without experiencing the burden of excess regrets or sorrows. Sixthly, the terminally ill cancer patients’ adult children would be more likely to bear the burden of “xiao” and experience pressures from their senior relatives when facing decision making regarding resuscitation. This investigation tries to shed some light on the issue of resuscitation when health care providers offering treatment choices and end-of-life care to their patients. It is important to understand patients’ and their caregivers’ needs in order to provide a more humanistic end of life. For a future research, the followings are suggested: First, Use media and patient’s support groups to deliver knowledge on resuscitation. Second, Set up policy regulations to control the contents of resuscitation through media. Third, Explore the impact of cancer patients’ death and dying on their minor children’s well-being in the future because most cancer patients with minor children worry about their children’s future after they pass on. Fourth, Emphasize both quantitative and qualitative methodology on end of life research in order to fully understand cancer patients’ and their family caregivers’ needs.