Patient acceptance of an information sheet about cardiopulmonary resuscitation options

To determine initial patient acceptance of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation/do-not-resuscitate orders (CPR/DNR) information sheet intended to facilitate early discussion of CPR preferences.

Attitudinal survey of adults after reading a CPR/DNR information sheet.

Inpatient wards and outpatient clinics of a tertiary care military teaching hospital.

230 English-reading, mentally competent, volunteer patients (95%) of 243 eligible patients completed questionnaires. Mean age was 51.5 +/- 17 years; 122 (53%) patients were men; 103 (45%) were inpatients. Self-reported diagnoses were: cancer, 42 (18%); HIV disease, 22 (10%); other medical conditions, 87 (38%); pre- and postoperative cases, 35 (15%); and unknown, 44 (19%).

56% of the patients had previously thought about CPR options. 10% of the patients had actually discussed preferences with their physicians. 90% of the patients desired discussion with their physicians and other health care providers. 91% of the patients reported feeling better or no change after reading the information. 78% of the patients agreed that the information sheet would be helpful in discussing their preferences and most thought the information should be routinely given to all patients.

Written information about CPR options was perceived as helpful and acceptable to most patients surveyed. Since a few patients initially reported feeling worse after reading the CPR/DNR information sheet, written information should not be used alone but may facilitate initial communication and discussion.