160 TIME TO BIN 'NEXT OF KIN'?—JUNIOR DOCTORS DEMONSTRATE POOR UNDERSTANDING OF THE TERM IN IRELAND. (18th November 2021) - Burke, B
Abstract: Background: 'Next of kin' (NOK) is a term widely used in the healthcare setting in Ireland to indicate an individual that can be contacted in the event of an emergency when a patient is in hospital. While it has its origins in Irish inheritance law, the term confers no legal or decision-making authority to any other individuals on behalf of a patient in hospital. However, anecdotally, the term is commonly misunderstood with a false belief among healthcare staff that consent should be sought from the NOK when a patient is unable to do so. In this study we sought to assess current understanding of the term among Irish non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs). Methods: Data was collected via an online survey, completed by NCHDs across a number of medical and surgical disciplines to investigate their understanding of the term. Descriptive analysis of data was performed in Excel. Results: 118 NCHDs completed the survey. While 110 (93.2%) believed a NOK was an emergency contact, 53 (44.9%) believed they assisted in decision making; 58 (49.2%) thought they could provide medical information about the patient. Forty-four doctors (37.3%) believed a NOK was permitted to make medical decisions while 59 (50%) felt they could provide consent on behalf of an incapacitated patient. Sixty-three (53.4%) believed a NOK had legal entitlement to information over and above that of another family member or friend. Conclusion: This study highlights several misconceptions surrounding the term 'next of kin' in the Irish healthcare setting, particularly around the area of decision-making authority and consent. The term is confusing and unhelpful and should not be used in healthcare. 'Contact person' or 'emergency contact' are appropriate alternatives. Further education to NCHDs around consent and maintenance of patient autonomy is necessary.