Quote:
Originally Posted by Retiredfire
I am curious as to the right of a family member to modify an advanced directive.
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Years ago I had an ICU doc state- it's not the patient I save that is going to sue me but the family when he dies. Of course that has changed (see earlier posts) and I have seen that attitude shift as well. Generally I have seen families greatly relieved that there is some sort of direction (and by extension less responsibility and less guilt). My experience is that families don't try to change the Advance Directives until the doctors are saying the care is futile but the person wanted everything done.
I don't run into as many bipap machines as you do but many families need that time to process the reality of what is happening. Inasmuch as it's non-invasive it is typically accepted in end of life care.
As you stated being in South Florida, you are probably familiar with many of our residents not having local family and many times limited interaction with their family out of the area. If the family is interested enough to actually make the trip, that family member is seeing the patient for the first time in years??? and then feeling like they are 'pulling the plug'.
Don't worry, some don't even come- they just handle it all through the phone and fax machine.