Perceptions of care following initiation of do-not-resuscitate orders

Kathryn E. Driggers*, Sydney E. Dishman, Kevin K. Chung, Cara H. Olsen, Andrea B. Ryan, Melissa M. McLawhorn, Laura S. Johnson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Documenting do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) can be controversial; some providers believe that DNR orders change care. This survey evaluates current perceptions. Materials and methods: IRB approved survey consisting of 31 validated questions divided into 3 factors (1. palliation, 2. active treatment, and 3. trust/communication). Individual questions were compared using Fisher's exact-tests and factors were compared via t-tests. Results: Both surgical and ICU staff believe care decreases after DNR order initiation (43%). More surgical staff report decreased care aggressiveness versus ICU staff (63% vs 25%, p < 0.005 and Factor 2, 25.8 versus 29.8, p < 0.001), and felt that electrical cardioversion outside of the setting of ACLS would not be performed (57% vs 24%, p < 0.005). Conclusions: Surgical staff expressed more concern about care after DNR status than their ICU counterparts. Determining whether care actually changes clinically warrants further investigation.

Original languageEnglish
Article number154008
JournalJournal of Critical Care
Volume69
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Advance care planning
  • Advance directives
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • Critical care
  • Resuscitation orders

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