Yo Tsuchiya

Objective The study aim was to evaluate by ALS patients' satisfaction regarding information about invasive ventilators provided by medical doctors.<br/>Methods Semi-structural interviews were conduced for 12 cases (11 patients and 9 family members provided information) at three areas in Japan.<br/>Results 1) Most patients were unsatisfied with the information by doctors;<br/>2) some cases felt strong distrust of doctors' attitudes;<br/>3) more than half of the cases complaind of insufficient information.<br/>Conclusion This study suggests that in the informed consent for ALS patients, doctors' negative attitudes to life prolongation adversely impact on ALS patients. Roles of service providers, patients and family members should be reconsidered for cases of ALS and other incurable diseases.