The effect of family involvement in decision-making on end-of-life care outcomes in Taraba State hospitals
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
End-of-life care (EOLC) is a critical aspect of healthcare that focuses on ensuring comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses or those in the final stages of life. Family involvement in decision-making during this period is essential, as families often play a significant role in determining the type and extent of care their loved ones receive (Ogunleye & Musa, 2023). In Taraba State, Nigeria, cultural and religious values strongly influence healthcare decisions, particularly concerning end-of-life care, where families may have varying opinions on the appropriate medical interventions for critically ill patients.
The extent to which family members are involved in decision-making can impact several aspects of end-of-life care, including pain management, the withdrawal or continuation of life-sustaining treatments, and palliative care preferences (Adebayo & Okonkwo, 2024). While family involvement is generally viewed as beneficial, it can also lead to conflicts between healthcare providers and families, especially when medical recommendations contradict cultural or religious beliefs (Abdullahi & Bello, 2023). In some cases, excessive family involvement may result in prolonged suffering for patients due to reluctance to accept palliative measures such as Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders or withholding aggressive interventions with minimal benefits.
Despite the growing body of research on EOLC, there is limited empirical evidence on how family involvement in decision-making affects patient outcomes in Taraba State hospitals. Understanding the dynamics between healthcare providers and families in EOLC situations is crucial to improving patient-centered care and ensuring ethical medical decision-making in the region. This study seeks to evaluate the effects of family involvement on EOLC outcomes and explore strategies to improve collaboration between healthcare providers and families for better patient experiences.
Statement of the Problem
In many healthcare settings, including Taraba State hospitals, family members significantly influence medical decisions for terminally ill patients. While their involvement is intended to support patient-centered care, it often presents challenges that can affect end-of-life outcomes. Families may struggle to balance emotional, cultural, and religious beliefs with medical recommendations, leading to delayed decision-making, increased patient distress, and ethical dilemmas for healthcare providers. Additionally, inadequate communication between nurses, physicians, and family members may further complicate EOLC processes, potentially resulting in suboptimal care (Oladipo & Usman, 2024).
There is a need for empirical research to assess how family involvement influences end-of-life care outcomes in Taraba State hospitals. Understanding these dynamics will help policymakers, healthcare providers, and families develop frameworks to improve communication and collaboration, ensuring that patients receive high-quality, dignified care at the end of life.
Objectives of the Study
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To examine the impact of family involvement in decision-making on end-of-life care outcomes in Taraba State hospitals.
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To identify challenges faced by healthcare providers in managing family involvement in end-of-life decision-making.
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To propose strategies for improving collaboration between families and healthcare providers in end-of-life care planning.
Research Questions
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How does family involvement in decision-making influence end-of-life care outcomes in Taraba State hospitals?
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What are the challenges healthcare providers face in managing family involvement in end-of-life decision-making?
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What strategies can improve collaboration between families and healthcare providers for better end-of-life care outcomes?
Research Hypotheses
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Family involvement in decision-making has a significant impact on end-of-life care outcomes in Taraba State hospitals.
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Healthcare providers experience challenges in managing family involvement in end-of-life decision-making due to cultural and religious beliefs.
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Effective communication strategies between families and healthcare providers can improve end-of-life care outcomes in Taraba State hospitals.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on healthcare providers, including nurses and physicians, as well as family members of terminally ill patients in Taraba State hospitals. The research will examine how family involvement affects medical decision-making and patient care quality. Limitations may include difficulty in obtaining data due to the sensitive nature of end-of-life care discussions and potential bias in responses from family members and healthcare providers.
Definitions of Terms
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End-of-life care (EOLC): Medical care provided to patients in the final stages of life to ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
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Family involvement: The participation of family members in healthcare decision-making for a critically ill patient.
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Palliative care: A specialized form of medical care focused on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
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