Back to Search Start Over

Discussion of the do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders with the family caregivers of cancer patients: An example from a major cancer center in Saudi Arabia.

Authors :
Al-Shahri MZ
Sroor M
Ghareeb WAS
Alhassanin S
Ateya HA
Source :
Palliative & supportive care [Palliat Support Care] 2024 Jun; Vol. 22 (3), pp. 511-516.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the views of the family caregivers (FCGs) about the "do-not-resuscitate" (DNR) discussions and decision-making processes that occurred during hospitalization in a Saudi cancer center.<br />Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, the FCGs of inpatients with advanced cancer completed a self-administered questionnaire soon after giving the patients a DNR status designation by their oncologists.<br />Results: Eighty-two FCGs participated in the study, with a median age of 36.5 years and male preponderance (70.7%). The FCGs were mostly sons (41.5%), daughters (14%), or brothers (11%) of patients. Only 13.4% of mentally competent patients had the chance to listen to the DNR discussion. The discussion mainly occurred in the ward corridor (48.8%) or another room away from the patients' rooms (35.4%). In 36.6% of cases, the discussion took ≤5 minutes. Half of the FCGs stated that the oncologists' justifications for the DNR decision were unconvincing. The majority (84.2%) of the FCGs felt that the healthcare providers should share the DNR decision-making with patients (1.2%), families (69.5%), or both (13.4%). FCGs ≤ 30 years of age were more supportive of giving patients' families a chance to participate in the DNR decision-making process ( p = 0.012).<br />Significance of Results: There is considerable room for improving the current practice of DNR discussions and decision-making processes in the studied setting. A readily feasible rectifying measure is to ensure the adequacy of time and privacy when planning for DNR discussions. We expect our findings to draw the attention of stakeholders to a compelling need for reviewing the current policies and processes, aiming to improve the experience of cancer patients and their FCGs.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1478-9523
Volume :
22
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Palliative & supportive care
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
38126404
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951523001876