… factors that influence family member’s perception of their loved ones prognosis … an experiential study in a recent Critical Care Medicine.
Among major influences on family member’s understanding of prognosis … – patient’s intrinsic qualities and will to live – patient’s physical appearance or status – patient’s prior history of illness/survival – power of bedside presence – optimism, intuition & faith.
“Understanding the diverse sources of knowledge on which surrogates draw may help physicians better understand and address conflicts that may emerge over patients’ prognosis.”