A cross-sectional study of knowledge and attitudes of medical professionals towards end-of-life decisions in teaching hospitals of Kandy District (Sri Lanka). | [Anaesthesia, Pain and Intensive Care • 2013]

Author(s):

1. M. V. G. Pinto: Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

2. R Varun: Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

3. W. M. M. P. B. Wanasinghe: Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

4. T. M. K. Jayasinghearachchi: Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

5. H. M. T. A Herath: Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

6. P. V. R. Kumarasiri: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Abstract:

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes about Do Not Resuscitate orders, Advance Directives and Withdrawal or Withholding of life-sustaining therapy among medical professionals. Study Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study Setting: The study was conducted in three teaching hospitals, General Hospital Kandy, Teaching Hospital Peradeniya and Teaching Hospital Gampola of Kandy District (Sri Lanka). Methodology: 232 medical professionals were randomly selected. Data were collected using a pre-tested selfadministered questionnaire. The knowledge and attitude was assessed with regard to ‘Advance Directives’, DNR orders and ‘withdrawal/ withholding life sustaining care’, by scenario based questions and several close-ended questions. Data were analyzed with SPSS v17.0 and Pearson Chi Square was calculated. Results: The age range of the study population (n=232) was 26-56 years and majority of the participants were male (64.2%). Most of the medical professionals were Buddhists (88.4%). Out of the subjects, 66.8% (p

Page(s): 40-44

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Anaesthesia, Pain and Intensive Care, Volume: 17, Issue: 1, Year: 2013

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