Etica e Rianimazione. L’ordine di non rianimare in Italia: mito o realtà?

Autori

  • Cristina Santonocito
  • Filippo Sanfilippo Medico anestesista-rianimatore, Unità di Chirurgia Cardiotoracica, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
  • Antonino Gullo Direttore Dipartimento di Anestesia e Rianimazione, Azienda ospedaliera-universitaria G. Rodolico Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7175/pmeal.v7i1.560

Parole chiave:

DNR order, Ethics, Medical Professionalism

Abstract

[Ethics and resuscitation. "Do not resuscitate" order in Italy: mith or reality?]

Resuscitation has the ability to reverse death. However, it may also prolong terminal illness, increasing discomfort and consuming resources. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order and Advanced Directives (ADs) are well-debated in critical care medicine. On the legislation of DNR order and ADs it is well known the impact by variety of beliefs, thoughts and religions; this has largely contributed to diverse approaches in different Countries.

The main critical issues in Italy remain the presence of different ethical principles and the missing common law. To clarify this issue and to achieve a consensus we believe in the priority of continuing education and training programs for physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals. With a careful ethical consideration it would be possible undertaking the right way to avoid futile and aggressive care. There is evidence of the lack of policies of DNR order around the world and in Italy as well. The need of standardization in the 21st century appears clear. To improve the attitude about DNR order and avoid confusion, it is necessary to achieve several goals: increasing the communication between healthcare providers and patients, achieving legal consensus and, increasing trust among patient and families.

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Pubblicato

2013-01-16

Fascicolo

V. 7 N. 1 (2013)

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