Terminality of life from the perspective of pre-hospital care doctors

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out what medical professionals from a pre-hospital care service understand about the end of life and the non-resuscitation of chronic patients at the end of life. This was an exploratory qualitative case study, using semi-structured and open questions interviews. There were 33 doctors who demonstrated a biological understanding of death; they understood not intervening as futile and without benefit to the patient; they listed the patient's family as a complicating element in decision-making; and recognized respect for the patient's autonomy regarding their end-of-life decision. We conclude that the doctors facing the patient at the end of life respect the patient's autonomy and try to do their best to minimize his suffering, even if exposed to pressure from the patient’s family to take a different course of action than the patient would like and what is necessary for the occasion of service.