• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.26-33
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify clinical characteristics of oncologic patients at a point when they signed their do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders. Methods: From January through December 2014, we retrospectively analyzed the records of 197 patients who passed away after agreeing to a DNR order in the hemato-oncology department of a tertiary hospital. Results: Of all, 121 patients (61.4%) were male and 76 (38.6%) were female, and their average age was 58.7 years. Ninety-four patients (47.7%) had gastrointestinal cancer. The ECOG performance status at admission was grade 3 in 76 patients (36.5%) and grade 4 in 11 (5.6%). The patients' mean hospital stay was 20 days. The mean duration from the admission to DNR decision was 13 days, and the mean duration from DNR decision to death was seven days. Conclusion: Study results indicate that a decision on signing or refusing a DNR order was made by medical staff mostly based on the opinions of patients' guardians rather than the patients themselves. This suggests that patients' own wishes are not well respected. Thus, it is urgent to establish institutional devices to enhance cancer patients' autonomy regarding DNR and to define an adequate timing for withdrawal of treatments.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.393-399
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• 2019

This is a descriptive study on the perception and attitude toward DNR in adults. Structured questionnaires were used and 210 subjects were studied. In recognition of DNR, DNR was helpful for 'a comfortable dying(64.3%)'. The need for DNR in situation investigated 'For dignified dying (41.3%)' and 'to alleviate patient suffering(23.9%)'. Respondents who do not agree with DNR are shown 'Because legal issues can arise(61.7%)', 'Because human dignity is the life-sustaining priority(16.7%)'. In the attitude toward DNR, the most significant result was 'I want to know if I have an incurable disease (4.21).' There was no difference in attitudes toward DNR among adults. The DNR is not a method of Withdrawing in lifeprolonging treatment, It should be addressed in a comprehensive context in which human beings exercise autonomy over the process of dying and death.