Considering a family systems approach to surrogate decision-making

Abstract

Comments on the original article by Rolland, Emanuel, and Torke (see record 2017-05300-001) regarding a family systems approach to medical decision-making by proxy. The authors expanded the focus of clinicians beyond the patient to a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's family. They assert that a better understanding of family dynamics may help clinicians to engage with families more effectively when decision-making is needed for seriously ill loved ones, and may lessen the emotional challenges families and clinicians face when decisions are needed. However, the current authors point out surrogate decision-making can be an onerous responsibility. Rolland, Emanuel, and Torke identify the growing body of research on the high prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression among those who have been in the position of making medical decisions for loved ones. (PsycINFO Database Record