2020 Volume 42 Issue 3 Pages 200-208
OBJECTIVES: An exploratory study was conducted using regret as one dimension to focus on surrogate decision-making by family caregivers of dementia patients. The specific goals were to qualitatively compile (1) factors causing regret and (2) methods of choosing during surrogate decision-making that affect regret. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 family caregivers with dementia patients. RESULTS: Factors causing regret were classified by qualitative analysis into 10 categories under 3 themes (insufficient knowledge, psychological factors in the family caregiver, and the effects on other family members). Effects on regret of the method of choosing were classified into 9 categories. DISCUSSION: The important points for choices without regret were summarized as these 3 points : don’t avoid deciding, don’t compare options in a trade-off, and don’t try making the right choice.
