Finding the right words: using the terms allow natural death (AND) and do not resuscitate (DNR) in pediatric palliative care.
When children are dying in a hospital setting, healthcare providers need to help families make important end-of-life care decisions. Most providers use the term do not resuscitate (DNR) when suggesting a course of action that involves not using extraordinary lifesaving measures. Some healthcare providers use the term allow natural death (AND) to discuss this same approach. This study investigated pediatric healthcare providers' beliefs about using AND as opposed to DNR. Results revealed that providers believe the term AND is somewhat ambiguous but may be more family centered.
Jones
Barbara L
BL
Institute for Grief, Loss and Family Survival, University of Texas-Austin School of Social Work, USA. barbarajones@mail.utexas.edu
Parker-Raley
Jessica
J
Higgerson
Renee
R
Christie
LeeAnn McCoy
LM
Legett
Sarah
S
Greathouse
Julie
J
D003142:Communication; D004501:Education, Medical; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; D010166:Palliative Care; D016414:Resuscitation Orders; D013727:Terminal Care; D009626:Terminology as Topic