Experiences of caregivers desiring to refuse life-prolonging treatment for their elderly parents at the end of life

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the experiences of caregivers desiring to refuse life-prolonging treatment for their elderly parents at the end of life. Methods: A semi-structured interview was performed for four family caregivers who wanted to refuse life-prolonging treatment suggested by the physicians. Results: In this study, four caregivers who refused life-prolonging treatment suggested by the physicians for their elderly parents completed semi-structured interviews. The obtained data were analyzed in relation to the theme “Experiences of caregivers who desire to refuse life-prolonging treatment for their elderly parents at the end of life.” As a result, 38 subcategories and 12 categories were extracted. Conclusions: Participants in this study initially had a negative view of life-prolonging treatment. However, they agonized over the decision when they received conflicting advice from the physicians. The participants indicated that physicians’ advice and attitudes complicated their decisions to reject life-prolonging treatment for their elderly parents.

Keywords

• family caregiver
• elderly
• life-prolonging treatment
• end-of-life care
• qualitative analysis