1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«This study examined (a) how physicians and nurses in France and Quebec make decisions about life-sustaining therapies (LSTs) for critically ill children and (b) corresponding ethical challenges.» (p. 110)

Questions/Hypothèses :
«The research questions for the study were as follows: (a) How do HCPs [health care providers] in France and Québec make LST decisions for critically ill children? and (2) what ethical challenges are faced by these HCPs?» (p. 110)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
Dans le cadre de cette étude «[a] total of 21 physicians and 24 nurses were recruited.» (p. 113) Les participants ont été recrutés dans des hôpitaux de Paris, Lille et Montréal.

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«Parents’ roles in treatment decision-making were important for all participants because (a) parental preferences were considered significant in determining the best treatment option and (b) parents were greatly affected by these decisions. French participants emphasized that parents should be protected from decisional responsibility and the culpability that can result from making such decisions and that physicians should be responsible for treatment decisions. Yet, it was uncommon for French participants to provide therapies without parental agreement. When parents disagreed with the proposed plan, parental preferences were generally accommodated until an agreement was reached. In contrast, Quebec participants recognized parents as primary decision-makers. Meetings with parents were generally regarded as shared decision-making encounters where parents chose treatment options in collaboration with the treating team.» (p. 115-117)