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Nurses' attitudes toward do-not-resuscitate orders
1Columbia Augusta Medical Center, Augusta, Ga., USA.
The Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Burn nurses believe do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are sometimes appropriate and require patient/family input. However, significant disagreement exists regarding who should make these decisions and what treatments DNR orders should encompass.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Nursing Practice
- Burn Care
Background:
- Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are crucial in end-of-life care.
- Understanding healthcare professionals' attitudes towards DNR orders is essential for effective implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate burn nurses' attitudes regarding the appropriateness and decision-making process for do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.
- To identify areas of consensus and controversy among burn nurses concerning DNR orders.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was administered to 57 burn nurses.
- 52 nurses responded, providing data on demographics and attitudes towards DNR orders.
Main Results:
- 94% of respondents found DNR orders sometimes appropriate; 88% believed decisions should not be solely physician-driven.
- 95% emphasized the necessity of patient/family input, while 75% opposed ethics committee involvement.
- 56% supported nurse involvement in DNR decisions, but considerable uncertainty existed regarding specific treatment withdrawals.
Conclusions:
- Burn nurses generally support the concept of DNR orders and advocate for shared decision-making involving patients and families.
- Significant controversy remains regarding the specifics of DNR orders and the precise roles of different stakeholders in the decision-making process.