Awareness and Ethical Attitudes Toward 'Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR)' for Cancer Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This descriptive study was conducted to investigate awareness and attitudes toward 'Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR)'. METHODS: Study data were collected from July 24 to September 30, 2011 using structured questionnaires. Study subjects were 209 patients suffering from cancer at "C" Univ. hospital located in Seoul and Cancer Patient Coalition in Seoul. The purpose of the study was explained directly to them. All the data of 209 questionnaires were collected and analyzed without dropping out. RESULTS: In terms of awareness toward DNR, 61.5% said DNR is "necessary" because "their recoveries are impossible" (51.7%) and "they want dignified deaths" (41.1%). When it comes to ethical attitudes toward DNR according to demographic characteristics, there were significant differences both between genders (p<.032) on "Medical staff should tell hopeless patients their conditions openly" and between level of education and monthly income (p<.013) on "DNR decision should be made according to the guideline, if needed". CONCLUSION: The result of this study suggests that decisions on DNR should be made not by only families and doctors but by patients themselves as well. For this, sufficient explanations and education programs for DNR need to be developed and DNR decision including both patient's and family's demand should be standardized.