"Perspectivas do modelo de tomada de decisão partilhada quando é pedido o fim de vida."

Abstract

Context: The shared decision making, taken in the context of a medical relationship between doctors and patients, is a process of information sharing between both parties that is intended to culminate in an informed deliberation regarding a request for a hastened death, promoting the respect for self-determination. Objectives: With this study we aim to analyze the applicability of the shared decision-making process model in the context of hastened death, that aims to promote a trustworthy relationship between the attending physician and the patient. If the hastened death ever becomes possible in Portugal, it will be relevant to establish models that foster safer decisions. Methods: A focus group was implemented, comprised of four medical specialists, seeking to validate the shared decision-making process model. The participants were requested to comment on the relevance and structure of the presented model and to contribute with proposals for alterations to the model in accordance with its applicability in hastened death requests. Results: This discussion resulted in a large group of suggestions to alter the model. Several limitations were also identified taking into consideration the application of this model in the context of hastened death. Conclusion: The results of this study allowed to consolidate a shared decision-making model in the context of hastened death. The necessity of developing further studies to address some deficiencies related to defining who should be the attending physician, the timeframe necessary for consideration and the ideal number of meetings between the doctor and the patient.