Considerations and values in decision making regarding mechanical ventilation for older patients with severe to very severe COPD

BackgroundThe different considerations involved in decisions regarding whether or not to initiate mechanical ventilation for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are challenging for health professionals.AimTo investigate the considerations and values that influences decision-making regarding mechanical ventilation in older patients (≥65-years-old) with severe to very severe COPD. Furthermore, it aims to elucidate how physicians involve their patient in decision-making process.Participants and settingSeven intensive care physicians and seven physicians working in the respiratory units at two university hospitals and two district hospitals in Norway.MethodsThis study had a qualitative design consisting of focus group interviews with 14 physicians. The data was analysed according to the interpretative contexts: self-understanding, critical common-sense understanding and theoretical understanding.ResultsDecisions regarding mechanical ventilation were mainly based on the physicians...