Well-being on supportive techniques in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: from neurologists' perspective

Objective: To investigate intercultural neurologists' perception of well-being in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using gastrostomy (PEG), non-invasive, and/or invasive ventilation (NIV/IV) and to analyse the determinants and impact on the management of the above medical interventions (MIs).

Methods: The study was based on anonymous questionnaires addressing the clinical approach and personal attitude towards the use of PEG, NIV and IV in ALS patients completed by 465 neurologists: 228 from Germany and 237 from Poland.

Results: The German and Polish neurologists estimated the quality of life in ALS patients using PEG and NIV as neutral, whilst low in individuals using IV. A regression model revealed an independent influence of palliative care training (PCT) and age on that attitude in the German group. Higher values of estimated patients' depressiveness on PEG, NIV and IV were found amongst the Polish neurologists. Marital status, experience in ALS and being a parent independently influenced the perception of patients' depressiveness in the German, whilst marital status, age and PCT were factors in the Polish group. Amongst German neurologists, a higher perception of patients' depressiveness in individuals using PEG, NIV and IV was linked to the later timing of the MIs discussion. In the Polish group, it was a lower estimation of QoL in patients using PEG.

Conclusion: Neurologists' perception of ALS patients' well-being on MIs reflects their demographic status, professional experience and potentially their cultural background. This perception plays an important role in the timing of MIs discussion, possibly influencing the decision-making process.