Table 2 Differences in the distribution of percentages (%) of answers of Group A and Group B to case scenarios (Chi2 Test; p < 0.05 considered significant*)
7) Definition: Case scenario | Rating | Group A | Group B | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|
[A] To relief a patients agitation through clouded awareness he receives over 24 h 48 mg Midazolam (=Dormicum®) through a syringe driver. During this treatment, which is continued right up to his death, it is impossible to carry on a conversation with him. | no | 14.3% | 17.7% | .536 |
yes | 66.1% | 52.9% | ||
unsure | 19.6% | 29.4% | ||
(n = 168) | (n = 17) | |||
[B] A delirious patient is treated with 2 mg Haloperidol (=Haldol®) for every 6 h. Under this dosage, which is necessary for a successful treatment, he seems obviously sedated. | no | 84.4% | 76.5% | .660 |
yes | 6.6% | 11.8% | ||
unsure | 9.0% | 11.7% | ||
(n = 167) | (n = 17) | |||
[C] Under the medical indication of pronounced muscle cramps a patient receives circadian 10 mg Diazepam (=Valium®) daily. Symptoms are soothed through the consequential sedation. Medication is continued for several days and nights. Despite somnolence, patient can welcome and greet visitors, until he finally passes away. | no | 73.6% | 64.7% | .703 |
yes | 16.2% | 23.5% | ||
unsure | 10.2% | 11.8% | ||
(n = 167) | (n = 17) | |||
[D] A patient suffering from intense pain needs a daily dose of 300 mg Morphium s.c.. Under this medication he appears exceedingly somnolent and sedated, but can be awakened through loud address. | no | 80.0% | 64.7% | .025 * |
yes | 8.5% | 29.4% | ||
unsure | 11.5% | 5.9% | ||
(n = 165) | (n = 17) | |||
[E] Because of not otherwise manageable nausea the patient is treated with 2.5 mg Lorazepam (=Tavor®) every 8 h. Under this therapy patient is sleeping. During two attempts of reducing the dose he declares that the nausea persists. Therefore medication is increased again. Few hours after adjustment of dose he passes away. | no | 36.6% | 29.4% | .733 |
yes | 48.8% | 58.8% | ||
unsure | 14.6% | 11.8% | ||
(n = 164) | (n = 17) | |||
[F] Due to dinstinctive and severe life-threatening tumour haemorrhage and the fulminant panic attack a patient receive 10 mg Midazolam (=Dormicum®) i.v. | no | 23.5% | 0.0% | .011 * |
yes | 64.2% | 100.0% | ||
unsure | 12.3% | 0.0% | ||
(n = 162) | (n = 17) | |||
[G] According to the wish of a patient she receives under indication of existential suffering 3 mg/h Midazolam (=Dormicum®). To determine patients wish again, dose is reduced after 24 h. As patient does not want a continuation of medication it is weaned. | no | 10.5% | 29.4% | .042 * |
yes | 79.6% | 70.6% | ||
unsure | 9.9% | 0.0% | ||
(n = 162) | (n = 17) |