Back to Search Start Over

Is There Ever a Role for the Unilateral Do Not Attempt Resuscitation Order in Pediatric Care?

Is There Ever a Role for the Unilateral Do Not Attempt Resuscitation Order in Pediatric Care?

Authors :
Marron, Jonathan M.
Jones, Emma
Wolfe, Joanne
Source :
Journal of Pain & Symptom Management. Jan2018, Vol. 55 Issue 1, p164-171. 8p.
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Care for children as they near the end of life is difficult and very complex. More difficult still are the decisions regarding what interventions are and are not indicated during these trying times. Occasionally, families of children who are nearing the end of life disagree with the assessment of the medical team regarding these interventions. In rare cases, the medical team can be moved to enact a do not attempt resuscitation order against the wishes of the patient's parents. This article presents one such illustrative case and discusses the ethical issues relevant to such challenging clinical scenarios. The authors posit that such a unilateral do not attempt resuscitation order is only appropriate in very limited circumstances in pediatric care. Instead, focus should be placed on open discussion between parents and members of the clinical team, shared decision making, and maintenance of the clinician-parent relationship while simultaneously supporting members of the clinical team who express discomfort with parental decisions. The authors propose an alternative framework for approaching such a conflict based on clinician-parent collaboration and open communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
08853924
Volume :
55
Issue :
1
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Pain & Symptom Management
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
126804939
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.09.006