Characteristics associated with decision-making regarding withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments: a 5-year retrospective analysis at an intensive care unit in a tertiary hospital in southern China
Abstract. Background. The decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatments is a pivotal facet of end-of-life care for patients. Previous research has revealed substantial global disparities in this issue, with limited investigations conducted in China. Methods. A retrospective study inves...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Health/LWW
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Emergency and Critical Care Medicine |
| Online Access: | http://journals.lww.com/10.1097/EC9.0000000000000138 |
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| Summary: | Abstract. Background. The decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatments is a pivotal facet of end-of-life care for patients. Previous research has revealed substantial global disparities in this issue, with limited investigations conducted in China.
Methods. A retrospective study investigating the prevalence of withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments at an intensive care unit in a tertiary hospital from January 2013 to May 2018 was conducted to elucidate the associated characteristics. The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments. The secondary measures were the demographic and clinical data. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between the clinical characteristics and the decision-making.
Results. This analysis included 437 patients, of which 372 (85.1%) experienced withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments. Older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.05), rural residence (OR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.17–7.32), belonging to the local province (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.22–1.57), lower per capita income group (OR: 3.59; 95% CI: 2.52–5.09), and a primary diagnosis of trauma (OR: 4.95; 95% CI: 1.19–20.64), neurosurgical disorder (OR: 4.42; 95% CI: 1.76–11.06), or neurological disorder (OR: 12.33; 95% CI: 1.56–97.52) were significantly associated with the decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatments.
Conclusion. Withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments may vary based on factors such as age, residential location, per capita income, and the primary diagnosis. It is imperative that healthcare policymakers acknowledge these variations and consider the local ethical norms and cultural practices when facing this issue. |
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| ISSN: | 2097-0617 2693-860X |