Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
PulseExploreClubsResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeClubsExplore
August 24, 2026Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

How do families of relatives with prolonged disorders of consciousness experience care decision-making? A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative research

View Full Paper
Ask AI
Bookmark
Share

Authors

HBH. J. BRENNANRBRichard. J. BrownATAlistair Teager

Discussion

Loading...

Member takes

Overview

Systematic review uncovers intense ethical and communicative challenges among families deciding care for relatives with prolonged disorders of consciousness, highlighting need for structured guidance.

Key Points

  • To synthesize qualitative literature exploring how family members experience care and treatment decision-making for relatives with prolonged disorders of consciousness.
  • Conducted a systematic review and thematic synthesis following PRISMA guidelines across five electronic databases.
  • Identified and appraised 21 qualitative studies involving 357 family members using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist.
  • Identified four core themes: a duty to represent the relative, a desire for certainty and involvement, ethical dilemmas surrounding life-and-death decisions, and difficulties navigating shared decision-making.
  • Demonstrated that diagnostic and prognostic uncertainty substantially complicates clinical collaboration and family involvement in healthcare choices.

Cite This Study

BRENNAN et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8c005bbca056c88e6df193https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2026.2717259
View Full Paper
Ask AI
Bookmark
Share

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Neurotechnology-informed Shared Decision Making in Disorders of Consciousness (DoC): A Qualitative Study of Clinician and Family Perspectives (P7-18.008)2026
  2. 2Depression of Family Caregivers of Patients With Disorders of Consciousness: A Systematic Review2025
  3. 3The experience and coping of decision-making dilemma of family caregivers of elderly patients with moderate to severe dementia: a qualitative study2026
  4. 4Implicit Bias and Microaggressions in the Care of People With Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness: Bridging Medicine, Disability Studies, and Family Advocacy2026
  5. 5Impact of a Specialized Care Pathway for ICU Patients With Disorders of Consciousness: Observational Insights From an Expert Center2026