A ‘natural death’ may be preferable for many than enduring CPR

CPR, despite its potential life-saving outcomes, may be worse for some patients than simply allowing a natural death.

The reality of CPR: Overall survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are around 7.6%, and even then, patients may suffer significant complications.
* Chest compressions can cause fractured or cracked ribs, liver lacerations, and pulmonary hemorrhage.
* A rare side effect, CPR-induced consciousness, can be traumatic for the patient.

Quality of life concerns: Surviving CPR does not guarantee a return to a patient’s previous condition or independence.
* Brain injury is a significant risk, with older patients faring worse—only 2% of survivors over 85 escape significant brain damage.

Physician perspectives: Many medical providers also suffer moral distress and emotional exhaustion from futile resuscitations.
* The true purpose of CPR is to “bridge the person to an intervention,” but for patients with terminal illnesses, the most humane approach may be to ease the pain of the dying process.

Improving end-of-life conversations: Better education about CPR’s survival rates and realities, as well as improved communication about end-of-life care, can help patients and families make more informed decisions.

View original article on NPR

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