What do Polish adults know about persistent therapy? Preliminary results

Introduction Continuous progress in medicine generates new ethical challenges faced by members of the healthcare system. The use of persistent therapy is referred to when the methods and measures used in treatment do not offer a realistic chance of recovery or significant improvement of the patient’s condition. Aim The aim of the study was to analyse adults’ knowledge about the use of persistent therapy. Material and methods The study involved 200 (100%) adults, the vast majority of whom were women (160; 80.00%). An original online survey questionnaire was used to conduct the study, consisting of questions covering the topic in question and regarding the sociodemographic data of the respondents. The study was completely anonymous and voluntary, and all respondents gave their informed consent to participate. Results and discussion The most common procedures included in the persistent therapy, according to the respondents, were mechanical circulatory support (124; 62.00%) and mechanical ventilation (90; 45.00%). Among the most frequently cited factors influencing the decision to discontinue persistent therapy, respondents mentioned the patient’s statement of intent (146; 37.00%). There was also a statistically significant result (P = 0.002) indicating large differences in the level of knowledge between those declaring a conenction with patient care and those who did not declare such connection. Conclusions Among participants, knowledge regarding persistent therapy was incomplete, especially among non-medical respondents. Informational activities should therefore be undertaken to raise public awareness about end-life decisions and treatment options in the last hours of one’s life.