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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Tom Payne-Doris, Dr Timothy Williams
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© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. Objectives: Mechanical ventilation (MV) has been shown to improve survival and quality of life in motor neuron disease (MND). However, during the progression of MND, there may come a point when MV is no longer felt appropriate. Association of Palliative Medicine Guidelines have been recently published to help clinicians withdraw MV at the request of patients with MND in a safe and compassionate manner to ensure that symptoms of distress and dyspnoea are minimised. Methods: In this report, we discuss the palliative and ventilatory management of six ventilator-dependent patients with MND who had requested the withdrawal of MV as part of their end-of-life care. Results: We have withdrawn MV from six patients with MND at their request and our practice has been influenced by the Association of Palliative Medicine Guidelines. Conclusion: Withdrawal of MV in MND at a patient's request is challenging but is also a fundamental responsibility of healthcare teams. We discuss the lessons we have learnt which will influence our practice and help other teams in the future.
Author(s): Messer B, Armstrong A, Doris T, Williams T
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care
Year: 2020
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 10-13
Print publication date: 19/02/2020
Online publication date: 03/04/2019
Acceptance date: 06/03/2019
ISSN (print): 2045-435X
ISSN (electronic): 2045-4368
Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
URL: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2017-001464
DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2017-001464
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