title: [Relevance and modification of autonomy and care at the end of life. Results of a survey by means of a vignette-study].
abstract: For several years the public and the associations of nurses and physicians have discussed ways and possibilities for a good and professional end-of-life attendance of patients. In this connection a descriptive vignette-study (n = 152) investigates the relevancy of nurses' and physicians' capability to ensure the patient's autonomy (expressed by a living will) and care for the patient. In their vignette-stories' assessments and answers to additional questions nurses and physicians judge that both values, autonomy and care, are essential. But it remains unclear, what autonomy and care mean to them and how both values be joined together and modified in a practicable way. If this ambiguousness is an expression of the matter itself, if it therefore never becomes quite clear what autonomy and care mean in end-of-life attendance, legislation and professional curricula should take this into consideration.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Ethik und Kommunikation im Gesundheitswesen, Universität Witten/Herdecke. Schnell@uni-wh.de
authors.forename: Martin W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Schnell
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schulz
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dunger
authors.forename: Mischa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Möller
mesh_terms: D016223:Advance Directives / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000523:psychology; D016224:Living Wills / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D010348:Patient Care Team; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology*