Factors Influencing the Decision-making of Health Care Professionals Regarding Do-Not-Resuscitate

• Main Authors: Yu-Shiuan Chao, 趙于萱
• Other Authors: Che-Ming Yang M.D.,J.D.,Ph. D.
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2008
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/90436293332369315338

碩士 === 臺北醫學大學 === 醫務管理學研究所 === 96 === Background: With development of medical technology, people’s expectation from medical outcome is increased. They usually hold a last hope to help prolong lives. But there arise hot issues about over-expectation of medical outcomes or techniques and the sequential problems with respect to laws, ethics and medical resourses after fruitless cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In these circumstances, “DO-NOT-RESUSCITATE” (DNR) order may well be an option. Purpose: The objective of this study is to investigate the knowledge and attitude of medical personnel regarding DNR. Also factors affecting the decision-making of medical personnel about DNR in our country are studied. Methods: Self-made questionnaire was used to investigate medical personnel in two hospitals (one medical center and the other regional hospital). Participants were physicians and nurses at emergency room and intensive care unit and internists and surgeons. The questionnaire was divided into three parts and designed to simulate case scenarios. Participants were allowed to choose the response behavior and intensity as well as the affecting factors. Results: One thousand and eighty six copies of questionnaire were issued. The response rate was 70.2%. With change of patient condition, medical personnel’s decision-makings were also altered. The most important factors were family’s will and laws. Other factors included patients’ conscious will and patient age. The mean score about DNR knowledge was 64.48. Participants had uniformly confusions about the expiry after DNR orders were signed. Conclusions: The most important factor affecting medical personnel’s DNR was law sues and family’s will. The study results could be for reference topics about medical education in the future.