DEFINITION AND EXAMINATION OF END-OF-LIFE APNEA (EOLA) AND VERBAL RESPONSIVENESS

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.