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Resuscitating the elderly: what do the patients want?
P Bruce-Jones1, H Roberts, L Bowker
1Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Poole Hospital.
Journal of Medical Ethics
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Most elderly patients want to discuss resuscitation preferences, with 60% desiring it. Their views on resuscitation and decision-making remain stable throughout hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Medical Ethics
- Patient Autonomy
Background:
- Understanding patient preferences for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial for ethical medical practice.
- Elderly patients' views on resuscitation and their role in decision-making are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate resuscitation preferences among elderly hospital inpatients.
- To determine their preferred decision-maker and views on seeking patient wishes.
- To identify factors influencing these preferences.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 214 consenting, mentally competent elderly patients.
- Data were collected upon admission and prior to discharge.
- The study was conducted in two acute geriatric medicine units.
Main Results:
- 60% of patients desired resuscitation, particularly married and functionally independent individuals.
- Lack of social contacts was associated with not wanting resuscitation.
- 67% welcomed discussions about preferences, and 78% wanted to participate in decisions, with 43% as sole decision-makers.
- Patient opinions on resuscitation remained stable during hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- Discussing resuscitation preferences with elderly patients upon admission is feasible and well-tolerated.
- Patient attitudes towards resuscitation are influenced by personal health and social circumstances.
- These findings can aid clinicians when patients cannot participate in decision-making.