Table 5 Transcript about acknowledging dying patients’ physical discomfort and respecting their treatment preferences
21 | Medical Student | If he removed the oxygen mask, there would be definite risks. But I would like to know more about the time when your father told you about his breathing experience when he was wearing the mask. |
22 | Patient’s Child | He said when he was wearing the mask, the air was plunging in and he felt very uncomfortable. He said he never wanted to wear it again, even if it means dying. |
23 | Medical Student | Um, (cough), if your father could communicate with us, do you think he would want to continue using the machine? |
24 | Patient’s Child | He, I think he wouldn’t want to. But could the machine help him? |
25 | Medical Student | Um, as I mentioned before, the machine is the best solution we can offer so far. Of course, there are further treatments, but I must tell you that the treatments would be more invasive than the machine and more uncomfortable for the patient. Yes, if your father felt uncomfortable with a non-invasive oxygen mask, it would be even more unbearable for him to undergo further treatment. |