Abstract
Reports the findings of a researched action in ministry which explored the experience of intensive care physicians and nurses working with dying patients. Uses qualitative research method with grounded theory to collect data via individual taped and transcribed interviews with eight staff physicians, six house staff, and seven nurses. Reports that all interviewees acknowledged that overtreatment of dying patients makes working in the intensive care unit difficult and that house staff acknowledged feelings of failure at the death of their patients. Notes that staff physicians acknowledged that it is easier to continue treating than to make a decision to stop, thus avoiding difficult conversations or ethical decisions. Considers the relevance of these and other findings for ministry.
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