DEFINITION AND EXAMINATION OF END-OF-LIFE APNEA (EOLA) AND VERBAL RESPONSIVENESS
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Date
2009-07
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Hood College Psychology & Counseling
Program
Hood College Thanatology
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Abstract
Verbal responsiveness during apnea has never been scientifically measured in the
terminally ill patient. A descriptive, hospice study examined any possible relationship
between apnea and lack of verbal responsiveness. Study steps included the operational
defining of end-of-life apnea (EOLA), the development and utilization of a scientific tool
to measure end-of-life apnea, and the development and implementation of an Apnea
Training Module to ensure interobserver reliability. Only one patient met EOLA study
criteria. Although findings suggested a powerful relationship, results were clinically
insignificant due to the limited number of study subjects. Also, a separate survey of
fifteen metTopolitan hospice nurses revealed 56% were unaware of any relationship
between apnea and verbal responsiveness. More extensive hospice research is necessary
to determine if a significant relationship exists between apnea and lack of verbal
responsiveness in the terminally ill. If so, EOLA education would be indicated for
hospice staff and caregivers.