Ethical Influences of Family Decisions Regarding Election of Treatment

Abstract

Objective and Specific Aims: This study proposes to identify factors associated with family reasoning and decision making leading to consent to treatment for a family member experiencing life-threatening illness. A sample of 15 families will be interviewed following successful (amorbid) coronary bypass surgery for an adult member, in order to obtain information on ethical reasoning and decison processes within the family unit. This pilot investigation is for the purposes of documenting the rational decision phenomenon and is preliminary to planned future study of family functioning and action regarding treatment options in other situations. The specific aims of this study are 1) to determine the ethical influences on the family's election of coronary artery bypass surgery and 2) to describe the major factors associated with decision making in the situation.