Documentation of ethically relevant information in out-of-hospital resuscitation is rare: a Danish nationwide observational study of 16,495 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests

• DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00654-y
• Publication Date: 2021-06-30T12:03:23Z
• Authors: Louise Milling; Lars Grassmé Bind...; Caroline Schaffal...; Erika Frischknech...; Annmarie Lassen; Helle Collatz Chr...; Dorthe Susanne Ni...; Søren Mikkelsen; ; René Arne Bergmann; Stig Nikolaj Fasm...; Lars Borup; Mathias Gelderman...; Theo Walther Jensen; Gunhild Kjærgaard...; Julie Linding Bog...; Heinrich Dedenrot...; Kenneth Lübcke; Kristian Bundgaar...
• Keywords: Philosophy of medicine; Bioethics; Medical record

Abstract Background Decision-making in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest should ideally include clinical and ethical factors. Little is known about the extent of considerations their influence on prehospital resuscitation. We aimed to determine transparency medical records regarding decision-making resuscitation with a specific focus ethically relevant information consideration providers’ documentation. Methods This was Danish nationwide retrospective observational study arrests from 2016 through 2018. After an initial screening using broadly defined inclusion criteria, two experienced philosophers performed qualitative content analysis included according preliminary codebook. identified free-text fields categorised Beauchamp Childress’ four basic bioethical principles: autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, justice. Results Of 16,495 records, we 759 (4.6%) potentially information; 710 (4.3%) contained information, whereas 49 did not. In general, documentation vague unclear. kinds information: patients’ wishes perspectives life; relatives’ healthcare professionals’ opinions resuscitation; do-not-resuscitate orders. some “best practice” examples that all decision-making. Conclusions There sparse unclear evidence documenting after arrests. However, show providing sufficient is, fact, feasible. To ensure surrounding decisions arrests, believe it necessary more systematic