Mentzelopoulos, Spyros D, Bossaert, Leo, Raffay, Violetta, Askitopoulou, Helen, Perkins, Gavin D, Greif, Robert, Haywood, Kirstie, Van de Voorde, Patrick and Xanthos, Theodoros (2016) A survey of key opinion leaders on ethical resuscitation practices in 31 European Countries. Resuscitation, 100. pp. 11-7. ISSN 1873-1570. This article is available to all HEFT staff and students via ASK Discovery tool http://tinyurl.com/z795c8c by using their HEFT Athens login IDs
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
BACKGROUND
Europe is a patchwork of 47 countries with legal, cultural, religious, and economic differences. A prior study suggested variation in ethical resuscitation/end-of-life practices across Europe. This study aimed to determine whether this variation has evolved, and whether the application of ethical practices is associated with emergency care organisation.
METHODS
A questionnaire covering four domains of resuscitation ethics was developed based on consensus: (A) Approaches to end-of-life care and family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation; (B) Determinants of access to best resuscitation and post-resuscitation care; (C) Diagnosis of death and organ donation (D) Emergency care organisation. The questionnaire was sent to representatives of 32 countries. Responses to 4-choice or 2-choice questions pertained to local legislation and common practice. Positive responses were graded by 1 and negative responses by 0; grades were reconfirmed/corrected by respondents from 31/32 countries (97%). For each resuscitation/end-of-life practice a subcomponent score was calculated by grades' summation. Subcomponent scores' summation resulted in domain total scores.
RESULTS
Data from 31 countries were analysed. Domains A, B, and D total scores exhibited substantial variation (respective total score ranges, 1-41, 0-19 and 9-32), suggesting variable interpretation and application of bioethical principles, and particularly of autonomy. Linear regression revealed a significant association between domain A and D total scores (adjusted r(2)=0.42, P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
According to key experts, ethical practices and emergency care still vary across Europe. There is need for harmonised legislation, and improved, education-based interpretation/application of bioethical principles. Better application of ethical practices may be associated with improved emergency care organisation.
Item Type: | Article |
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Additional Information: | This article is available to all HEFT staff and students via ASK Discovery tool http://tinyurl.com/z795c8c by using their HEFT Athens login IDs |
Subjects: | WB Practice of medicine > WB400 Intensive care WD Diseases and disorders of systemic, metabolic or environmental origin > WD400 Emergency medicine |
Divisions: | Clinical Support > Critical Care |
Related URLs: | |
Depositing User: | Mrs Caroline Tranter |
Date Deposited: | 30 Mar 2017 13:36 |
Last Modified: | 30 Mar 2017 13:36 |
URI: | http://www.repository.uhblibrary.co.uk/id/eprint/1327 |
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