Abstract
Family objections to evaluating a patient for death by neurologic criteria, or “brain death,” are challenging for the family and the medical team. In this article, we categorize brain death evaluation refusals into a taxonomy: informational objections, emotional objections, and principled objections. We offer suggested approaches for clinicians to respond to refusals on the basis of the category. The category of objection may also be important in considering when accommodation of refusals should be considered. The goal in all such situations is to promote compassionate, ethical, and equitable care for the patient and family.
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Dr. Morrison’s time was supported by the Justin Michael Ingerman endowed chair in Palliative Care.
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Dr. Morrison conceived the topic and wrote the first draft of the article. Dr. Kirschen contributed to refining the framework and edited all drafts. Both authors approve of the final manuscript.
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Morrison, W.E., Kirschen, M.P. A Taxonomy of Objections to Brain Death Determination. Neurocrit Care 37, 369–371 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-022-01580-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-022-01580-6