Do-not-resuscitate orders in the presurgical patient.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the policy and practice of anesthesiology departments in regard to their management of the presurgical do-not-resuscitate (DNR) patient.


METHODS
Questionnaire distributed to the program directors of 156 accredited residency programs in anesthesiology in the contiguous United States.


METHODS
University hospital.


RESULTS
One hundred twelve of the 156 accredited U.S. programs responded to the questionnaire. The majority (81%) of programs that have a DNR policy for the presurgical patient suspend the order prior to surgery. However, only 50% of the institutions responding have standing policies, and of those that do not, only 40% plan to initiate such a policy.


CONCLUSIONS
The need for a written policy for the DNR patient undergoing surgery is exemplified by the low percentage of institutions that have existing policies.
Franklin
C M
CM
Department of Medicine, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL 60612.
Rothenberg
D M
DM
D000761:Anesthesia Department, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006739:Hospital Administration; D006801:Humans; D016134:Organizational Policy; D016414:Resuscitation Orders; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States