Breaking bad news—How to improve communication?

Abstract

subject of enforcing do not attempt resuscitation in situation of circulatory and respiratory arrest. Methods: The researchwas conducted bymeans of the diagnostic survey method applying a self-constructed questionnaire. The study was carried out among 111 (100%) doctors and nurses, from January to May 2013. Obtained information were analyzed statistically, Chi-square of independence with assumed p≤0.05. level of significance was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study of the respondents’ opinion shows that 72.07% healthcare employees think that DNAR declaration should be obligatory in Poland. Contrary opinion has 8.11% of respondents. In their opinion the decision to refrain from resuscitating should be made by attending physician – 48.65% andmedical board – 32.43%. Information enclosed within DNAR declaration, in most of respondents’ opinion – 70.27%, should be only passed on in written form. Conclusions:Majority of doctors and nurses agree that patients have a right to refrain fromcardiopulmonary resuscitation as a selfdetermination act. Respondents concur the introduction of DNAR declaration in Polish Healthcare system. In respondents’ opinion that decision should be required in written form and an attending physician should decide about its implementation, what violates the existing rule. The executionof livingwill declaration raises ethical issues. Additionally, it also appears aspublic/social problem. The last stage of incurable disease is given as justifiable circumstances of DNAR.