Narrative inquiry in bioethics
-
This symposium includes twelve personal narratives from those who have personally participated in voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED). This issue also includes three commentaries on these narratives by experts in philosophy, palliative care, and hospice medicine. The successes, challenges, and observations described by these narrative and commentary authors will not only inform the academic debate about the legitimacy of VSED but will also inform much needed practical guidance for patients, clinicians, and family members on how they can best implement and support VSED.
-
In this study, we tested the feasibility of conducting quantitative assessments of patients' experiences with care in the intensive care unit (ICU), in regard to treatment with respect and dignity. Patients completed the Patient Dignity Inventory, Collaborate, and selected domains from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems Survey. ⋯ While this pilot study suggests some target areas for improving treatment with respect and dignity, the findings are limited since many patients were unable to participate in the survey. Future work should be directed at developing new measures that are easier to administer in this setting.