Futile therapy: a survey of Polish anaesthesiologists

The purpose of this survey was to investigate the opinions on futile therapy among anaesthesiologists and residents in anaesthesiology and intensive therapy as well as to determine the frequency of the futile therapy protocol being used. Additionally, the survey aimed to determine the factors responsible for futile therapy being still practised in intensive care units (ICUs).

The authors developed a questionnaire for the purpose of the study. In addition to questions about professional status, gender, age, seniority, and place of work, questions regarding aspects of futile therapy in the context of medical decision-making were included in the study tool. A question was also asked about whether the COVID-19 pandemic might have influenced the perception of futile therapy. The survey was conducted using the computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) technique. The questionnaires were completed in an online form between May and October 2023.

The study group consisted of 488 respondents including anaesthesiologists and residents in anaesthesiology and intensive therapy. About 80% of the respondents were anaesthesiologists, with an average ICU experience of about 15 years. The vast majority of anaesthesiologists (n = 458) were of the opinion that the decisions on intensive care limits should be subject to legal regulations.

Polish anaesthesiologists recognise the need to regulate the decision-making process as part of the legal system while not perceiving a need for their decisions to be subject to authorization by hospital ethics committees. Respondents also note the need to educate the public on the subject of end-of-life care.