TY - JOUR
T1 - Discussing preferences for cardiopulmonary resuscitation
T2 - What do resident physicians and their hospitalized patients think was decided?
AU - Deep, Kristy S.
AU - Griffith, Charles H.
AU - Wilson, John F.
PY - 2008/7
Y1 - 2008/7
N2 - Objective: To explore the ways in which seriously ill hospitalized patients, their family members and physicians interpret the discussion of the patient's preferences for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Methods: Resident physicians, their patients, and family members were interviewed following a discussion regarding preferences for CPR. We sought the participants' perceptions of the resulting decision, examined how often these interpretations differed, and explored the communicative factors underlying discrepancies when they occurred. Results: Fifty-six interviews with 28 matched dyads were completed. In six dyads (21%), the participants reported differing results of the discussion. Two patients had orders to limit their care based on the physician's interpretation of their discussion. Another two patients who did not want resuscitation lacked a DNR order. Two patients did not recall having the conversation. These discrepancies could be attributed to the physician misconstruing the patient's wishes, interference of a family member, and fluctuating preferences. Conclusions: Discrepant interpretations of a DNR discussion occur with a concerning frequency between resident physicians and their hospitalized patients. Practice implications: Educational efforts should focus on training physicians to clarify the language used in these discussions, remain vigilant about discerning the patient's preferences, and be aware that these preferences may be contextually fluid.
AB - Objective: To explore the ways in which seriously ill hospitalized patients, their family members and physicians interpret the discussion of the patient's preferences for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Methods: Resident physicians, their patients, and family members were interviewed following a discussion regarding preferences for CPR. We sought the participants' perceptions of the resulting decision, examined how often these interpretations differed, and explored the communicative factors underlying discrepancies when they occurred. Results: Fifty-six interviews with 28 matched dyads were completed. In six dyads (21%), the participants reported differing results of the discussion. Two patients had orders to limit their care based on the physician's interpretation of their discussion. Another two patients who did not want resuscitation lacked a DNR order. Two patients did not recall having the conversation. These discrepancies could be attributed to the physician misconstruing the patient's wishes, interference of a family member, and fluctuating preferences. Conclusions: Discrepant interpretations of a DNR discussion occur with a concerning frequency between resident physicians and their hospitalized patients. Practice implications: Educational efforts should focus on training physicians to clarify the language used in these discussions, remain vigilant about discerning the patient's preferences, and be aware that these preferences may be contextually fluid.
KW - Advance care planning
KW - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
KW - Doctor-patient communication
KW - Resident education
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U2 - 10.1016/j.pec.2008.01.017
DO - 10.1016/j.pec.2008.01.017
M3 - Article
C2 - 18337051
AN - SCOPUS:44649139215
SN - 0738-3991
VL - 72
SP - 20
EP - 25
JO - Patient Education and Counseling
JF - Patient Education and Counseling
IS - 1
ER -