"Allow natural death" versus "do not resuscitate": three words that can change a life. Issue 1 (21st December 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Venneman, S S; Narnor-Harris, P; Perish, M; Hamilton, M
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical ethics. Volume 34:Issue 1(2008)
• Page Start: 2
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2007-12-21
• Subjects: Medical ethics -- Periodicals; 174.2
• DOI: 10.1136/jme.2006.018317
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-6800

Abstract

Abstract : Physician-written "do not resuscitate" DNR orders elicit negative reactions from stakeholders that may decrease appropriate end-of-life care. The semantic significance of the phrase has led to a proposed replacement of DNR with "allow natural death" (AND). Prior to this investigation, no scientific papers address the impact of such a change. Our results support this proposition due to increased likelihood of endorsement with the term AND.