Factors influencing DNR decision-making in a surgical ICU.

Overview

BACKGROUND: End-of-life decisions in the surgical ICU can be complicated by the unique characteristics of perioperative illness and the focus on life-extending interventions. We sought to determine whether illness severity correlated with the presence of DNR order in critically ill surgical patients. STUDY DESIGN: All surgical ICU patients who were given a DNR order from May 1, 1991 to May 31, 1998 were identified. Demographic data for all patients were collected prospectively. Patients who died without a DNR order were compared with patients with DNR orders. Variables in the analysis included date of DNR order, age, ICU, and hospital lengths of stay, APACHE II and III scores and maximum multiple organ dysfunction scores, past medical history, and mortality. ANOVA, multivariate ANOVA, and chi-square statistical tests were used to analyze the data, with p