Next-of-Kin Responses and Do-Not-Resuscitate Implications for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Abstract

Letters19 April 2005Next-of-Kin Responses and Do-Not-Resuscitate Implications for Implantable Cardioverter DefibrillatorsLaura J. Morrison, MD and Christian T. Sinclair, MDLaura J. Morrison, MDFrom Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, and Kansas City Hospice, Kansas City, MO 64114.Search for more papers by this author and Christian T. Sinclair, MDFrom Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, and Kansas City Hospice, Kansas City, MO 64114.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-142-8-200504190-00022 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:In their article on management of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in end-of-life care, Goldstein and colleagues (1) reported low rates of discussion of ICD deactivation and ICD shocks in the last month of life, according to next-of-kin interviews. Although these data largely support our perception, more attention should be paid to the limitations of the methods used. The challenge of study design is well recognized for those studying quality of care at the end of life and quality of death and dying. Since few small studies have been performed in this area, validity and reliability of bereaved ...