Decisions Regarding Treatment of Seriously Ill Newborns

Mortality and major morbidity in premature infants less than 31 weeks gestational age in the decade after introduction of surfactant

“…If outcome is perceived to be not very good and treatment futile, a larger proportion of infants might not be transferred. Good ethics starts with good facts 12. The population‐based mortality rates in the state of Bavaria for ELBW infants are significantly worse than the mortality rate at our center.…”

“…Advances in perinatal and neonatal care have greatly reduced mortality rates, but have lead to discussions about the lower limits of viability in western countries. Recent publications report significant variations in mortality rates among centers (2,12,13).…”

Attitudes of Parents and Health Care Professionals Toward Active Treatment of Extremely Premature Infants

“…21 Consequently, there is much room for potential conflict, and it is important to understand the perspectives of the various parties. 15,[22][23][24] This study examined the attitudes of parents of both ELBW and full-term children toward the treatment of very immature infants, as well as those of health care professionals. Physicians and nurses were studied separately for 2 reasons.…”

Mechanisms of Support

“…Many of the suggestions made by respondents incorporate approaches similar to recommendations from recent literature describing programs for staff and families experiencing loss (Chapple, 1999;Fost, 1999;Hammer, Nichols, & Armstrong, 1992;Herrle & Robinson, 1987;Hittle, 1995;Johnson et al, 1993;Rothman, 1997;Sutcliffe, Tufnell, & Cornish, 1998). We conclude that it is essential in successful stress management for employers to actively respond to the needs and suggestions of employees and to make provisions within the work environment.…”