Quality & Patient Safety

Schiavo case highlights end of life decision

Patient Safety Monitor Alert, April 6, 2005

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Terri Schiavo died March 31, 13 days after hospice workers removed the feeding tube that sustained her life for the past 15 years. A legal battle over her right to die continued during that time between her husband and her parents and eventually involved state and federal government in the debate.

This epic case brought end-of-life decisions to the forefront for many healthcare professionals. Leslie J. LaBelle, RN, MSN, MBA, CPHQ, Joint Commission Resources (JCR) consultant, highlighted this case in a March 30 audioconference on challenging hospital standards. She pointed to RI.2.80 on end-of-life decisions and gave the following advice for healthcare providers to use so they can avoid another Schiavo-like battle:

  • With advanced directives, don't just have patients check a box. Instead, document their specific wishes.
  • Make sure the patients' advanced directives are available in print and electronic versions so that the information is accessible to everyone who might be involved in their care.
  • When doing mock patient tracers, quiz staff on what the patients' wishes are.



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