Psychological adjustment of relatives and professionals accompanying cancer patients for whom deep and continuous sedation until death is being discussed

According to the few studies on deep and continuous sedation until death (SPCJAD), the majority of patients for whom this procedure is implemented are cancer patients. Findings from France (Reich et al., 2019) and from the international literature (e.g. Bruinsma, Rietjens, Seymour, Anquinet & Van der Heide, 2012) suggest a lack of knowledge regarding psychological adjustment in the context of SPCJAD among patients, their relatives and healthcare professionals. Taking such elements into account, however, seems essential for proposing relevant interventions to bereaved relatives (Tofthagen, Kip, Witt & McMillan, 2017) and professionals (Wright, Gastmans, Vandyk & de Casterlé, 2019).

The main aim of the study is to describe the psychological adjustment and experience of both relatives and healthcare professionals accompanying cancer patients for whom a SPCJAD is discussed. The aim will be to highlight the factors associated with this adjustment as well as to grasp the nature of the mourning processes among the patients' relatives.

Methods:

This prospective, longitudinal study will be multicentric and open to all adult cancer patients for whom SPCJAD is discussed (whether they request it or SPCJAD is proposed to them by physicians). The study will include their relatives and the professionals who care for them (doctors, nurses and caregivers). Three evaluation phases will include quantitative measurements and research interviews.

Expected results:Our findings will help describe the experience of relatives and professionals faced with SPCJAD, and then develop and refine specific interventions. Data on SPCJAD offered to cancer patients in France will be compared to existing data in other countries, but also to results relating to other medical contexts where SPCJAD is also practiced (HIV, ALS...).

Thesis in progress by Marie LOCATELLI under the supervision of Leonor Fasse and Cécile Flahault.

Link to theses.fr: https://theses.fr/s377737