CHEST Guidelines-Comparing-Quality-of-Dying-and-Death-Perceived-by-

Comparing-Quality-of-Dying-and-Death-Perceived-by-

Pdf Summary

This study compares the quality of dying and death for ICU patients in the United States and the Netherlands using the Quality of Dying and Death (QODD) questionnaire assessed by family members and nurses. Data were collected from 100 patients in Dutch hospitals and 346 in US hospitals. The study aims to explore end-of-life (EOL) experiences in both countries to find potential areas for improvement in care.<br /><br />Key findings include that family members' assessments of the quality of dying were similar in both countries. They shared similar overall QODD scores, with Dutch patients generally being older (average age 72) than their US counterparts (average age 65). There were some differences; US families rated "time spent with loved ones" and "time spent alone" higher. <br /><br />Nurses, however, showed more variation in their ratings. Dutch nurses gave a higher single-item QODD score, indicating a better perceived quality of dying. Conversely, the total QODD scores were higher in the US, though not significantly. Different cultural and organizational factors, like the presence of an intensivist in Dutch ICUs, might contribute to these differences.<br /><br />The findings suggest that while family assessments are consistent across both regions, nurse assessments highlight differences that might stem from cultural expectations and varying EOL practices. This points toward potential areas for improvement, like encouraging family presence in Dutch ICUs and enhancing opportunities for farewells in the US.<br /><br />The study utilizes a QODD questionnaire originally developed in the US, showcasing its applicability across different cultures despite some noted challenges. Further research is necessary to understand these differences better and develop targeted interventions for improved EOL care.

Keywords

Quality of Dying and Death

ICU patients

United States

Netherlands

QODD questionnaire

end-of-life experiences

family assessments

nurse assessments

cultural differences

EOL care improvement