Adequacy of therapeutic effort: emotional and ethical aspects

Abstract

Introduction: Adequacy of therapeutic effort (AET) is a clinical decision to stop diagnostic and/or treatment activities for patients with terminal illnesses or at the end of life, to ensure that the transition between life and death is appropriate and humane. Aim The present study was developed through a bibliographic review with the objective of systematizing emotional and ethical aspects of AET. Methodology: The search was conducted in the Web of Science and Medline databases, on the ProQuest platform and in the SciELO digital library. The population, intervention, comparison and results and objectives (PICO) format was used to establish the research question and define the descriptors, the methodological quality was evaluated by applying the Critical Appraisal Skills Program Spanish (CASPe) guide. Results: 19 scientific articles were selected, which allowed the following results to be identified: among the attitudes and emotions expressed about AET are fear, sadness, fear, confusion, and dissatisfaction. Decisions are based on the Code of Medical Ethics, the patient's clinic, and bioethical principles. Conclusion: Nursing professionals experience difficulties by not being considered when deciding their application, work stress, lack of records in medical records, lack of supplies and protocols, and obstacles in communication with family members.