Utilizing conjoint analysis to explicate health care decision making by emergency department nurses: a feasibility study.

This descriptive study tests the feasibility of using clinical simulation to understand proxy decision making by emergency department nurses for individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Results from a conjoint analysis used to identify decision-making patterns indicated that nurses relied on future health status, functional status, and family input while making important health care decisions for their clients. This information enhances our understanding of the complex array of services and supports that nurses are expected to provide. As individuals with ID age and experience increased morbidity, the role of the nurse and caregivers as critical health care decision makers is increasing. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.