Citation

Sullivan MA, Muskin PR, Feldman SJ, Haase E. Psychosomatics 2004; 45(2): 119-128.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1176/appi.psy.45.2.119

PMID

15016925

Abstract

Forty-eight oncology inpatients participated in a survey designed to characterize their understanding of and beliefs about do-not-resuscitate (DNR) decisions and to identify dimensions of religiosity associated with moral beliefs about DNR decisions. Seventy-five percent of the patients believed they understood the meaning of "DNR," but only 32% were able to provide an accurate definition. Seventeen percent believed that DNR decisions are morally wrong, and 23% believed that they are equivalent to suicide. Those who lacked an accurate understanding of DNR status were significantly more likely to perceive them as morally wrong. Gender, but not religious denomination, was significantly related to patients' attitudes about the morality of DNR decisions. The belief that DNR decisions are morally wrong was predicted by certain religious practices, including near-daily meditation, near-daily thinking about God, and the current practice of meditation, and by endorsement of the statement, "My faith sometimes restricts my action."

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attitude to Health; Death and Euthanasia; Empirical Approach; Humans; Middle Aged; Religion; Resuscitation Orders; Surveys and Questionnaires