Family Medicine Resident PrimaryPlus Maysville, Kentucky
Abstract: Grief is a transformative experience that has significant impacts on individuals and their judgement. Though generally associated with death, grief also manifests frequently in clinical settings where complex decisions regarding treatment and end-of-life care predominate. In these circumstances, families may make requests for care that the medical team deems inappropriate, such as prolongation of life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation attempts and other medical and surgical interventions. Clinical teams that set appropriate boundaries for care may then face opposition from family members, leading to communication breakdown and intractable conflict. As clinical ethicists have become increasingly integrated into clinical teams, they play an important role in mediating these conflicts. Given that grief is likely part of these experiences, to what extent is grief motivating decisions? How could a better understanding of the grieving process enhance the support provided to patients and their families as they navigate decision-making?
In this paper presentation, I examine key models of grief and the value of integrating these into clinical ethics consultations. I propose that by understanding each model's unique elements, this provides a framework for recognizing and addressing the emotional complexities experienced by stakeholders. By drawing from established grief theories, the discussion highlights strategies to improve communication and support for patients, families and healthcare teams. Ultimately, this integration aims to align ethics consultation practices with the emotional realities of clinical care, fostering a more compassionate and holistic approach.
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