The house officer and the dying patient: attitudes, experiences, and needs

A survey of house staff who care for dying patients was conducted at a large medical center and demonstrated that house officers are aware of their discomfort in dealing with dying patients and their families but believe they do not avoid them. They strongly agreed with the use of the "no code' designation and believed the quality of life was the most important factor in making that decision. The house officer who has concerns about a dying patient is most likely to talk with another house officer. The survey highlights the needs of house staff for experienced resource people and informal programs dealing with the care of dying patients.