Extending the Ring Theory of Personhood to the Care of Dying Patients in Intensive Care Units



Chan, Natalie Pei Xin, Chia, Jeng Long, Ho, Chong Yao, Ngiam, Lisa Xin Ling, Kuek, Joshua Tze Yin, Ahmad Kamal, Nur Haidah Binte, Hanifah Marican Abdurrahman, Ahmad Bin, Ong, Yun Ting, Chiam, Min, Lee, Alexia Sze Inn
et al (show 3 more authors) (2022) Extending the Ring Theory of Personhood to the Care of Dying Patients in Intensive Care Units. ASIAN BIOETHICS REVIEW, 14 (1). pp. 71-86.

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Abstract

It is evident, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic that has physicians confronting death and dying at unprecedented levels along with growing data suggesting that physicians who care for dying patients face complex emotional, psychological and behavioural effects, that there is a need for their better understanding and the implementation of supportive measures. Taking into account data positing that effects of caring for dying patients may impact a physician's concept of personhood, or "what makes you, 'you'", we adopt Radha Krishna's Ring Theory of Personhood (RToP) to scrutinise the experiences of physicians working in intensive care units (ICU) using a fictional scenario that was inspired by real events. The impact of death and dying, its catalysts, internal constituents, external factors, dyssynchrony, and buffers, specific to ICU physicians, were identified and explored. Such a framework allows for ramifications to be considered holistically and facilitates the curation of strategies for conflict resolution. This evaluation of the RToP acknowledges the experience and wide-ranging effects it has on ICU physicians. As such, our findings provide insight into their specific needs and highlight the importance of support on a personal and organisational level. Although further research needs to be conducted, the RToP could serve as the basis for a longitudinal assessment tool supported by the use of portfolios or mentorship due to their provision of personalised, appropriate, specific, timely, accessible and long-term support.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: COVID-19, Intensive care unit (ICU), Death and dying, Personhood, Ring theory of personhood (RToP)
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 02 Nov 2021 14:39
Last Modified: 09 Mar 2023 02:22
DOI: 10.1007/s41649-021-00192-0
Open Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41649-021-00192-0
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3142520