The Thoughts of Family Members Who Decided on DNAR as a Healthcare Proxy after the Onset of Stroke

Abstract

Objective:The family members who decided DNAR as a healthcare proxy after the onset of stroke on the patients are expected to be distressed. However, few studies focus on the feelings of these families. This research aimed to demonstrate the feelings of the family members who decided DNAR as a healthcare proxy after the onset of stroke occurred on the patients.

Methods:We conducted a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews with the family members of the patients who had a stroke. The patients were also scheduled to be transferred to another hospital because their condition had been stabilized. The family members were informed regarding the choices include DNAR on admission. The data analysis used a qualitative inductive analysis method.

Results and Discussion:There were seven participants in the study. The families felt “it was difficult to understand the situation due to an emergency” and “needed to make a decision based on an explanation from a physician” regarding the patient’s condition and an intention for further treatment. The patient’s condition changed suddenly, and the families decided DNAR thinking it meant a life-prolonging treatment as feeling “unchangeable reality and family’s pain.”

Conclusion:The families, who decided DNAR as a healthcare proxy, regretted their decision without clearly understanding the situation. Nurses need to understand that there may be a misunderstanding between physicians’ descriptions and the understanding of family members regarding life-prolonging treatments and provide support continuously.