The conceptualisation of health-related quality of life in decision-making by intensive care physicians: A qualitative inquiry

Abstract

Objectives To explore how intensive care physicians conceptualise and prioritise patient health-related quality of life in their decision-making. Research methodology/design General qualitative inquiry using elements of Grounded Theory. Six ICU physicians participated. Setting A large, closed, mixed ICU at a university-affiliated hospital, Australia. Results Three themes emerged: (1) Multi-dimensionality of HRQoL—HRQoL was described as difficult to understand; the patient was viewed as the best informant. Proxy information on HRQoL and health preferences was used to direct clinical care, despite not always being trusted. (2) Prioritisation of HRQoL within decision-making—this varied across t..