Effects of continuous deep sedation until death on spousal bereavement: a mixed longitudinal multicenter study

Scientific background

The Claeys-Leonetti law [1] of February 2, 2016 introduces a right of access to deep and continuous sedation until death (S.P.C.J.D.), in a patient suffering from a serious, incurable disease whose vital prognosis is engaged in the short term and presenting so-called refractory suffering.

Project objectives and brief description of the methods used to achieve them

Our study proposes to evaluate the effects of deep and continuous sedation until death in the mourning process of the spouse of a cancer patient. To our knowledge, there are few studies conducted on the subjective experience of bereavement of the spouse in the context of S.P.C.J.D.

Methods

200 spouses of patients who died of cancer will participate in this longitudinal multicenter mixed study. For 100 of them, a protocol of deep and continuous sedation until death will have been implemented prior to the death of their loved one.

Expected results

The results of the study should make it possible to participate in preventing the risks of bereavement complications. We will draw up recommendations for all caregivers regarding support for relatives during the patient's end-of-life, and the specificities inherent in each end-of-life situation.