Patients Can Have Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders in the Operating Room: Results From An Ethics Simulation
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
10-12-2025
Abstract
There remains a misunderstanding regarding intraoperative do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders despite clear professional recommendations. This project aims to utilize a simulation-based program for residents to confidently navigate the shared decision-making process for intraoperative DNR orders with respect for patient autonomy. Recent surveys of anesthesiology and general surgery residents demonstrated that over 40% incorrectly believed you must rescind a patient’s DNR before surgery. To address this misconception, residents participated in a simulation-based curriculum to discuss intraoperative DNR status with a standardized patient. Following the simulation, residents were debriefed by a clinical ethicist and reviewed ethical principles, hospital policy, and professional societies' positions.
Recommended Citation
Balce M, Applegarth J, Soto R. Patients can have do-not-resuscitate orders in the operating room: results from an ethics simulation. Presented at: American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Meeting; 2025 Oct 12; San Antonio, TX. Available from:https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21028/presentation/9317
Comments
American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Meeting, October 10-14, 2025, San Antonio, TX