Changes in the use of do-not-resuscitate orders after implementation of the Patient Self-Determination Act

Relationship Between Newly Established Perioperative DNR Status and Perioperative Outcomes in the Elderly Population: A NSQIP Database Analysis

Background: Health care practitioners have developed complex algorithms to numerically calculate surgical risk. We examined the association between the initiation of a new do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status during hospitalization and postoperative outcomes, including mortality. We hypothesized that new DNR status would be associated with similar complication rates, even though mortality rates may be higher. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Geriatric Surgery Research File. Two cohorts were defined by the presence of a new DNR status during the hospitalization that was not present on hospital admission. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for differences between the DNR and non-DNR cohorts. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included rates of postoperative complications, including returning to the operating room, reintubation, failure to wean from ventilation, surgical site infections, dehiscence, pneumonia, acute kidney injury, renal failure, stroke, cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction, transfusion requirements, sepsis, urinary tract infections, venous thromboembolisms, total number of complications for each patient, and hospital length of stay. Results: In our geriatric population with a newly established DNR status, the mortality rate was 39.29%, significantly greater than the non-DNR population after multivariable regression. Secondary outcomes also occurred at an increased rate in the DNR cohort including surgical site infections (8.29% vs 4.04%), pneumonia (18% vs 2.26%), renal insufficiency (2.43% vs 0.35%), acute renal failure (5% vs 0.19%), stroke (3% vs 0.36%), acute myocardial infarction (6.29% vs 0.95%), and cardiac arrest (5.86% vs 0.51%). Conclusions: The initiation of a new DNR status during hospitalization is associated with a significantly higher burden of both morbidity and mortality. This contrasts with prior studies that did not show an increased rate of adverse outcomes and suggests that a new DNR status in postoperative patients may reflect a consequence of adverse postoperative events. The informed consent process in older patients at risk for adverse outcomes after surgery should include discussions regarding goals of care and acceptable risk.

Do-not-attempt-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation decisions: an evidence synthesis

Background

Cardiac arrest is the final common step in the dying process. In the right context, resuscitation can reverse the dying process, yet success rates are low. However, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a highly invasive medical treatment, which, if applied in the wrong setting, can deprive the patient of dignified death. Do-not-attempt-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions provide a mechanism to withhold CPR. Recent scientific and lay press reports suggest that the implementation of DNACPR decisions in NHS practice is problematic.

Aims and objectives

This project sought to identify reasons why conflict and complaints arise, identify inconsistencies in NHS trusts’ implementation of national guidelines, understand health professionals’ experience in relation to DNACPR, its process and ethical challenges, and explore the literature for evidence to improve DNACPR policy and practice.

Methods

A systematic review synthesised evidence of processes, barriers and facilitators related to DNACPR decision-making and implementation. Reports from NHS trusts, the National Reporting and Learning System, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, the Office of the Chief Coroner, trust resuscitation policies and telephone calls to a patient information line were reviewed. Multiple focus groups explored service-provider perspectives on DNACPR decisions. A stakeholder group discussed the research findings and identified priorities for future research.

Results

The literature review found evidence that structured discussions at admission to hospital or following deterioration improved patient involvement and decision-making. Linking DNACPR to overall treatment plans improved clarity about goals of care, aided communication and reduced harms. Standardised documentation improved the frequency and quality of recording decisions. Approximately 1500 DNACPR incidents are reported annually. One-third of these report harms, including some instances of death. Problems with communication and variation in trusts’ implementation of national guidelines were common. Members of the public were concerned that their wishes with regard to resuscitation would not be respected. Clinicians felt that DNACPR decisions should be considered within the overall care of individual patients. Some clinicians avoid raising discussions about CPR for fear of conflict or complaint. A key theme across all focus groups, and reinforced by the literature review, was the negative impact on overall patient care of having a DNACPR decision and the conflation of ‘do not resuscitate’ with ‘do not provide active treatment’.

Limitations

The variable quality of some data sources allows potential overstatement or understatement of findings. However, data source triangulation identified common issues.

Conclusion

There is evidence of variation and suboptimal practice in relation to DNACPR decisions across health-care settings. There were deficiencies in considering, discussing and implementing the decision, as well as unintended consequences of DNACPR decisions being made on other aspects of patient care.

Future work

Recommendations supported by the stakeholder group are standardising NHS policies and forms, ensuring cross-boundary recognition of DNACPR decisions, integrating decisions with overall treatment plans and developing tools and training strategies to support clinician and patient decision-making, including improving communication.

Study registration

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42012002669.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

The epidemiology of do-not-resuscitate orders in patients with trauma: a community level one trauma center observational experience

Background

Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders in patients with traumatic injury are insufficiently described. The objective is to describe the epidemiology and outcomes of DNR orders in trauma patients.

Methods

We included all adults with trauma to a community Level I Trauma Center over 6 years (2008–2013). We used chi-square, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and multivariate stepwise logistic regression tests to characterize DNR (established in-house vs. pre-existing), describe predictors of establishing an in-house DNR, timing of an in-house DNR (early [within 1 day] vs late), and outcomes (death, ICU stay, major complications).

Results

Included were 10,053 patients with trauma, of which 1523 had a DNR order in place (15%); 715 (7%) had a pre-existing DNR and 808 (8%) had a DNR established in-house. Increases were observed over time in both the proportions of patients with DNRs established in-house (p = 0.008) and age ≥65 (p < 0.001). Over 90% of patients with an in-house DNR were ≥65 years. The following covariates were independently associated with establishing a DNR in-house: age ≥65, severe neurologic deficit (GCS 3–8), fall mechanism of injury, ED tachycardia, female gender, and comorbidities (p < 0.05 for all). Age ≥65, female gender, non-surgical service admission and transfers-in were associated with a DNR established early (p < 0.05 for all). As expected, mortality was greater in patients with DNR than those without (22% vs. 1%), as was the development of a major complication (8% vs. 5%), while ICU admission was similar (19% vs. 17%). Poor outcomes were greatest in patients with DNR orders executed later in the hospital stay.

Conclusions

Our analysis of a broad cohort of patients with traumatic injury establishes the relationship between DNR and patient characteristics and outcomes. At 15%, DNR orders are prevalent in our general trauma population, particularly in patients ≥65 years, and are placed early after arrival. Established prognostic factors, including age and physiologic severity, were determinants for in-house DNR orders. These data may improve physician predictions of outcomes with DNR and help inform patient preferences, particularly in an environment with increasing use of DNR and increasing age of patients with trauma.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13049-015-0094-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Development and evaluation of an aged care specific Advance Care Plan

Objectives

To report on the quality of advance care planning (ACP) documents in use in residential aged care facilities (RACF) in areas of Victoria Australia prior to a systematic intervention; to report on the development and performance of an aged care specific Advance Care Plan template used during the intervention.

Design

An audit of the quality of pre-existing documentation used to record resident treatment preferences and end-of-life wishes at participating RACFs; development and pilot of an aged care specific Advance Care Plan template; an audit of the completeness and quality of Advance Care Plans completed on the new template during a systematic ACP intervention.

Participants and setting

19 selected RACFs (managed by 12 aged care organisations) in metropolitan and regional areas of Victoria.

Results

Documentation in use at facilities prior to the ACP intervention most commonly recorded preferences regarding hospital transfer, life prolonging treatment and personal/cultural/religious wishes. However, 7 of 12 document sets failed to adequately and clearly specify the resident's preferences as regards life prolonging medical treatment. The newly developed aged care specific Advance Care Plan template was met with approval by participating RACFs. Of 203 Advance Care Plans completed on the template throughout the project period, 49% included the appointment of a Medical Enduring Power of Attorney. Requests concerning medical treatment were specified in almost all completed documents (97%), with 73% nominating the option of refusal of life-prolonging treatment. Over 90% of plans included information concerning residents’ values and beliefs, and future health situations that the resident would find to be unacceptable were specified in 78% of completed plans.

Conclusions

Standardised procedures and documentation are needed to improve the quality of processes, documents and outcomes of ACP in the residential aged care sector.

Increase in the proportion of patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction with do-not-resuscitate orders already in place between 2001 and 2007: a nonconcurrent prospective study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Shared decision making and advance planning in end-of-life decisions have become increasingly important aspects of the management of seriously ill patients. Here, we describe the use and timing of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

The nonconcurrent prospective study population consisted of 4182 patients hospitalized with AMI in central Massachusetts in four annual periods between 2001 and 2007.

RESULTS

One-quarter (25%) of patients had a DNR order written either prior to or during hospitalization. The frequency of DNR orders remained constant (24% in 2001; 26% in 2007). Among patients with DNR orders, there was a significant increase in orders written prior to hospitalization (2001: 9%; 2007: 55%). Older patients and those with a medical history of heart failure or myocardial infarction were more likely to have prior DNR orders than respective comparison groups. Patients with prior DNR orders were less likely to die 1 month after hospitalization than patients whose DNRs were written during hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Although the use of DNR orders in patients hospitalized with AMI was stable during the period under study, in more recent years, patients are increasingly being hospitalized with DNR orders already in place.

Pre-arrest predictors of failure to survive after in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Our objective was to perform a systematic review of pre-arrest predictors of the outcome of in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in adults.

METHODS

We searched PubMed for studies published since 1985 and bibliographies of previous meta-analyses. We included studies with predominantly adult patients, limited to in-hospital arrest, using an explicit definition of cardiopulmonary arrest and CPR and reporting survival to discharge by at least one pre-arrest variable. A total of 35 studies were included in the final analysis. Inclusion criteria, design elements and results were abstracted in parallel by both investigators. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus.

RESULTS

The rate of survival to discharge was 17.5%; we found a trend towards increasing survival in more recent studies. Metastatic malignancy [odds ratio (OR) 3.9] or haematologic malignancy (OR 3.9), age over 70, 75 or 80 years (OR 1.5, 2.8 and 2.7, respectively), black race (OR 2.1), altered mental status (OR 2.2), dependency for activities of daily living (range OR 3.2-7.0 depending on specific activity), impaired renal function (OR 1.9), hypotension on admission (OR 1.8) and admission for pneumonia (OR 1.7), trauma (OR 1.7) or medical non-cardiac diagnosis (OR 2.2) were significantly associated with failure to survive to discharge; cardiovascular diagnoses and co-morbidities were associated with improved survival (range OR 0.23-0.53). Elevated CPR risk scores predicted failure to survive but have not been validated consistently in different populations.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified several pre-arrest variables associated with failure to survive to discharge. This information should be shared with patients as part of a shared decision-making process regarding the use of do not resuscitate orders.

Hospital do-not-resuscitate orders: why they have failed and how to fix them

Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders have been in use in hospitals nationwide for over 20 years. Nonetheless, as currently implemented, they fail to adequately fulfill their two intended purposes--to support patient autonomy and to prevent non-beneficial interventions. These failures lead to serious consequences. Patients are deprived of the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding resuscitation, and CPR is performed on patients who would have wanted it withheld or are harmed by the procedure. This article highlights the persistent problems with today's use of inpatient DNR orders, i.e., DNR discussions do not occur frequently enough and occur too late in the course of patients' illnesses to allow their participation in resuscitation decisions. Furthermore, many physicians fail to provide adequate information to allow patients or surrogates to make informed decisions and inappropriately extrapolate DNR orders to limit other treatments. Because these failings are primarily due to systemic factors that result in deficient physician behaviors, we propose strategies to target these factors including changing the hospital culture, reforming hospital policies on DNR discussions, mandating provider communication skills training, and using financial incentives. These strategies could help overcome existing barriers to proper DNR discussions and align the use of DNR orders closer to their intended purposes of supporting patient self-determination and avoiding non-beneficial interventions at the end of life.

Terminal hospitalizations of nursing home residents: does facility increasing the rate of do not resuscitate orders reduce them?

CONTEXT

Terminal hospitalizations are costly and often avoidable with appropriate advance care planning.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the association between advance care planning, as measured by facility rate of do not resuscitate (DNR) orders in U.S. nursing homes (NHs) and changes in terminal hospitalization rates.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of the changing prevalence of DNR orders in U.S. NHs. Using a fixed effect multivariate model, we examined whether increasing facility rate of DNR orders correlates with reductions in terminal hospitalizations in the last week of life, controlling for changes in facility characteristics (staffing, use of NP/PA, case mix of nursing residents, admission volume, racial composition, payer mix).

RESULTS

The average facility rate of terminal hospitalizations was 15.5%, fluctuating between 1999 (15.0%) and 2007 (14.8%). NHs starting with low rates of DNR orders that increased their rates had fewer terminal hospital admissions in 2007 (11.2%) than facilities with continuously low DNR usage. Even after applying a multivariate fixed effect model, the effect of changes in facility DNR order rate on terminal hospitalization was -0.056 (95% confidence interval: -0.061, -0.050), indicating that for every 10% increase in DNR orders there was 0.56% decrease in terminal hospitalizations. This rate can be compared with the increase of 0.70% in the terminal hospitalization rate when an NH became disproportionately dependent on Medicaid funding or the 0.40% decrease in terminal hospitalization rate associated with adding a nurse practitioner to the clinical staff complement.

CONCLUSION

NHs that changed their culture of decision making by increasing their facility rate of DNR orders decreased their rate of terminal hospitalizations.

Uncovering beliefs and barriers: staff attitudes related to advance directives

Although the 1990 Patient Self-determination Act was enacted to insure that patients' wishes regarding advance directives were known and respected, it has had little impact in quality or aggressiveness of care for patients nearing death. The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore staff attitudes related to Advance Directives. A short survey was distributed to 650 hospital, home care, hospice, assisted living, and long term professional and staff members. Analysis was completed on 413 surveys (return rate 63.3%). Findings suggest that although staff members believe that Advance Directives are an important tool, they have found both logistical and process challenges to following them. The results provide needed information for improving processes for completion and utilization of Advance Directives.

Identification of inpatient DNR status: a safety hazard begging for standardization

BACKGROUND

Ascertaining and documenting patients' preferences regarding end-of-life care is required by accrediting organizations at hospital admission. However, hospitals vary widely in their methods of making these preferences (including do-not-resuscitate [DNR] status) available to frontline providers, increasing the potential for errors.

METHODS

We surveyed 127 nursing executive members of the University HealthSystem Consortium (an alliance of academic medical centers), asking them to describe the current practices of their hospitals in identifying DNR orders. For those at institutions using color-coded wristbands, we also asked about other patient data depicted by wristbands and the choice of colors for DNR and these other indications. We used a commercial online survey tool with E-mail distribution.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine nurse executives completed the survey (54%). Fifty-six percent of hospitals use paper documentation as their only mode to identify DNR orders, 16% use electronic health records, and 25% augment either paper or electronic documentation with a color-coded patient wristband. Of those using color-coded wristbands (n = 17), 8 color schemes were reported. More than 70% of respondents recalled situations when confusion around a DNR order led to problems in patient care.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanisms to identify DNR orders vary significantly. For hospitals that use color-coded wristbands, the variety of color choices poses a risk for confusion and error. Building on existing and isolated state initiatives, a national mandate to standardize DNR identification and the color of patient wristbands would reduce the potential for errors and promote adherence to patients' wishes.

An electronic medical record intervention increased nursing home advance directive orders and documentation

OBJECTIVES

To develop an electronic medical record intervention to improve documentation of patient preferences about life-sustaining care, detail of resuscitation and treatment-limiting orders, and concordance between these orders and patient preferences.

DESIGN

Prospective before-after intervention trial.

SETTING

Veterans Affairs nursing home with an electronic medical record for all clinical information, including clinician orders.

PARTICIPANTS

All 224 nursing home admissions from May 1 to October 31, 2004.

MEASUREMENTS

Completion of an advance directive discussion note by the primary clinician, clinician orders about resuscitation and other life-sustaining treatments, and concordance between these orders and documented patient preferences.

INTERVENTION

The electronic medical record was modified so that an admission order would specify resuscitation status. Additionally, the intervention alerted the primary clinician to complete a templated advance directive discussion note for documentation of life-sustaining treatment preferences.

RESULTS

Primary clinicians completed an advance directive discussion note for five of 117 (4%) admissions pre-intervention and 67 of 107 (63%) admissions post-intervention (P<.001). In multivariate analysis, the intervention was independently associated with advance directive discussion note completion (odds ratio=42, 95% confidence interval=15-120). Of patients who preferred do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status, a DNR order was written for 86% pre-intervention versus 98% post-intervention (P=.07); orders to limit other life-sustaining treatments were written for 16% and 40%, respectively (P=.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A targeted electronic medical record intervention increased completion of advance directive discussion notes in seriously ill patients. For patients who preferred DNR status, the intervention also increased the frequency of DNR orders and of orders to limit other life-sustaining treatments.

Advance directives in the cardiac care unit

BACKGROUND

Despite effective therapies, mortality for many cardiovascular diseases remains higher than for many cancers and is difficult to predict. Guidelines recommend discussing advance directives (AD), including living wills and durable powers of attorney, with heart failure patients. The Patient Self-Determination Act mandates such discussions with all hospitalized patients. Little data are available on AD prevalence in patients with serious cardiac disease.

METHODS

Patients admitted to a cardiac care unit (CCU) were surveyed regarding demographics, medical history, prevalence of AD, and interest in obtaining more information about AD. Histories of life-threatening cardiac diagnoses were tabulated. Prevalence of AD and interest in obtaining more information about AD were obtained via chart review from patients on an oncology (ONC) floor at the same hospital.

RESULTS

One hundred twelve CCU (average age 58 +/- 16 years, 47 women) and 105 ONC (average age 58 +/- 14 years, 32 women) patients were enrolled. Prevalence of AD was not different between CCU and ONC patients (26% vs 31%, P = .37). Among CCU patients with prior hospitalizations but no AD, 21 of 64 did not recall being asked about AD. Cardiac care unit patients with heart failure and pulmonary hypertension were more likely to report being asked about AD in the past (39 of 54, P = .03 and 7 of 9, P = .008, respectively), but only heart failure patients were more likely to want more information about AD (P = .005). Of patients without AD, 83% from CCU and 18% from ONC wanted more information on AD (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of AD in the CCU was low, and many patients did not recall prior AD discussions. The CCU patients without AD were more likely to want information about AD than the ONC patients. A renewed emphasis on AD discussions with cardiovascular patients is needed and would be welcomed. Advance directives should be emphasized in cardiovascular training programs.

Racial differences in hospital discharge disposition among stroke patients in Maryland

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the evidence for racial differences in discharge disposition among patients hospitalized for stroke.

DATA

Hospital discharge data from the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission were used in the analysis. The data covered the period from January 2000 to September 2003.

STUDY DESIGN

Discharge-disposition categories were ordered such that higher numbers corresponded to less desirable outcomes: 1 = discharge to home; 2 = discharge to any medical care facility; 3 = death. We analyzed the influence of black race on the discharge disposition by estimating a partial proportional odds logit regression model that included demographic and clinical covariates.

DATA EXTRACTION

The study inclusion criteria were 1) stroke (ICD9 431-434; 436-438) as a primary admission diagnosis and 2) patient race identified as black or white. Patients discharged against medical advice were excluded. The sample contained 51,564 stroke hospitalizations.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Based on the relative odds ratios (OR; 95% confidence interval [CI]), black males were more likely to be discharged to higher ranked (i.e., less desirable) discharge categories (OR = 1.66; CI 1.55-1.77) compared to white males. Black females were more likely to die (OR = 1.14; CI 1.02-1.28) and more likely either to die or to be discharged to medical care (OR = 1.38; CI 1.24-1.54) compared to white males.

CONCLUSIONS

Blacks are at greater mortality risk following stroke hospitalizations and face less desirable discharge dispositions if they survive. These results are consistent with prior reports of lower survival rates among blacks and are robust to adjustments for various confounding factors.

Psychometric characteristics of a write-up assessment form in a medicine core clerkship

BACKGROUND

Case write ups are ubiquitous in medicine clerkships, yet few studies have examined how they are assessed.

PURPOSE

To examine the feasibility, reliability, and validity of scores on a new write-up assessment form.

METHODS

In 2002, medicine core clerkship students (n = 165) submitted 3 patient write ups (n = 493). Each was graded using a 14-item form and given a Global Write-Up Assessment. Final Global Write-Up grades were correlated to National Board of Medical Examiners medicine subject exam scores and multiple clerkship ratings.

RESULTS

For most items on the form, the full 4-point rating range was used. The reproducibility coefficient was .67 (SE = .12). Final Global Write-Up grades were correlated with exam scores (r = .35, p < .05) and inpatient (r = .28, p < .05) and outpatient (r = .16, p < .05) course grades.

CONCLUSIONS

The write-up assessment form, as used in a design with multiple write ups and raters, provides relatively precise estimates of performance and can be used to assess written documentation skills.

Electronic screening of dictated reports to identify patients with do-not-resuscitate status

OBJECTIVE

Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and advance directives are increasingly prevalent and may affect medical interventions and outcomes. Simple, automated techniques to identify patients with DNR orders do not currently exist but could help avoid costly and time-consuming chart review. This study hypothesized that a decision to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation would be included in a patient's dictated reports. The authors developed and validated a simple computerized search method, which screens dictated reports to detect patients with DNR status.

METHODS

A list of concepts related to DNR order documentation was developed using emergency department, hospital admission, consult, and hospital discharge reports of 665 consecutive, hospitalized pneumonia patients during a four-year period (1995-1999). The list was validated in an independent group of 190 consecutive inpatients with pneumonia during a five-month period (1999-2000). The reference standard for the presence of DNR orders was manual chart review of all study patients. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and nonerror rates were calculated for individual and combined concepts.

RESULTS

The list of concepts included: DNR, Do Not Attempt to Resuscitate (DNAR), DNI, NCR, advanced directive, living will, power of attorney, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, arrest, resuscitate, code, and comfort care. As determined by manual chart review, a DNR order was written for 32.6% of patients in the derivation and for 31.6% in the validation group. Dictated reports included DNR order-related information for 74.5% of patients in the derivation and 73% in the validation group. If mentioned in the dictated report, the combined keyword search had a sensitivity of 74.2% in the derivation group (70.0% in the validation group), a specificity of 91.5% (81.5%), a positive predictive value of 80.9% (63.6%), a negative predictive value of 88.0% (85.5%), and a nonerror rate of 85.9% (77.9%). DNR and resuscitate were the most frequently used and power of attorney and advanced directives the least frequently used terms.

CONCLUSION

Dictated hospital reports frequently contained DNR order-related information for patients with a written DNR order. Using an uncomplicated keyword search, electronic screening of dictated reports yielded good accuracy for identifying patients with DNR order information.