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Neurocritical Care

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01-12-2009 | Original Article

Profiles of Neurological Outcome Prediction Among Intensivists

Authors: Eric Racine, Marie-Josée Dion, Christine A. C. Wijman, Judy Illes, Maarten G. Lansberg

Published in: Neurocritical Care | Issue 3/2009

Abstract

Background

Advances in intensive care medicine have increased survival rates of patients with critical neurological conditions. The focus of prognostication for such patients is therefore shifting from predicting chances of survival to meaningful neurological recovery. This study assessed the variability in long-term outcome predictions among physicians and aimed to identify factors that may account for this variability.

Methods

Based on a clinical vignette describing a comatose patient suffering from post-anoxic brain injury intensivists were asked in a semi-structured interview about the patient’s specific neurological prognosis and about prognostication in general. Qualitative research methods were used to identify areas of variability in prognostication and to classify physicians according to specific prognostication profiles. Quantitative statistics were used to assess for associations between prognostication profiles and physicians’ demographic and practice characteristics.

Results

Eighteen intensivists participated. Functional outcome predictions varied along an evaluative dimension (fair/good–poor) and a confidence dimension (certain–uncertain). More experienced physicians tended to be more pessimistic about the patient’s functional outcome and more certain of their prognosis. Attitudes toward quality of life varied along an evaluative dimension (good–poor) and a “style” dimension (objective–subjective). Older and more experienced physicians were more likely to express objective judgments of quality of life and to predict a worse quality of life for the patient than their younger and less experienced counterparts.

Conclusions

Various prognostication profiles exist among intensivists. These may be dictated by factors such as physicians’ age and clinical experience. Awareness of these associations may be a first step to more uniform prognostication.

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Title: Profiles of Neurological Outcome Prediction Among Intensivists
Authors: Eric Racine
Marie-Josée Dion
Christine A. C. Wijman
Judy Illes
Maarten G. Lansberg
Publication date: 01-12-2009
Publisher: Humana Press Inc
Published in: Neurocritical Care / Issue 3/2009
Print ISSN: 1541-6933
Electronic ISSN: 1556-0961
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-009-9225-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Profiles of Neurological Outcome Prediction Among Intensivists

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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