'They have to show that they can make it': vitality as a criterion for the prognosis of premature infants.
In this article, the vitality of premature infants will be described and discussed. Vitality was one of the main factors in a grounded theory study in which the aim was to generate knowledge concerning the ethical decision-making processes with which nurses and physicians are faced in a neonatal unit. Which assessments underlie decisions about whether to start, continue or stop medical treatment of very sick premature babies? A descriptive study design, including 120 hours of field observations and 22 qualitative in-depth interviews with doctors and nurses, was chosen. Strauss and Glaser's comparative method was used to analyse the field observations and interviews. The findings indicate that life-and-death decisions are somewhat ambivalent; experience does not always make them easier. In situations of ambiguity, decisions also seem to be based upon the vitality of the babies concerned.
Brinchmann
B S
BS
Department of Nursing and Health Care, Centre for Professional Studies, Bodø Regional University, Norway. Berit.Stoere.Brinchmann@hibo.no
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003657:Decision Making; D026690:Ethics, Clinical; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods*; D018447:Medical Futility; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D009664:Norway; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011379:Prognosis; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012106:Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D028761:Withholding Treatment