"Allow natural death" versus "do not resuscitate": three words that can change a life

J Med Ethics. 2008 Jan;34(1):2-6. doi: 10.1136/jme.2006.018317.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Advance Directives
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Continuity of Patient Care / ethics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physician-Patient Relations / ethics*
  • Resuscitation Orders / ethics*
  • Resuscitation Orders / psychology
  • Right to Die
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Terminal Care / ethics*
  • Terminal Care / psychology
  • Terminology as Topic*