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. 2025 Apr-Jun;31(2):159-166.
doi: 10.25259/IJPC_241_2024. Epub 2025 Apr 23.

Going Beyond the Do-Not-Resuscitate Order: Comparing the Care Received by Cancer Patients with Respect to Hospice Care Needs

Mohammad M Alnaeem  1 , Salam Bani Hani  2 , Raid Abujebbeh  1
Affiliations

Going Beyond the Do-Not-Resuscitate Order: Comparing the Care Received by Cancer Patients with Respect to Hospice Care Needs

Mohammad M Alnaeem et al. Indian J Palliat Care. 2025 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare the treatment given to cancer patients in intensive care units (ICUs) who require or do not require hospice care.

Materials and methods: A descriptive retrospective design was used. A total of 193 files were reviewed for admitted cancer patients.

Results: Individuals requiring hospice care had longer hospital stays (t=1.22, p<.05) and were less likely to be sent to palliative care (X2= 183.5, p<.05). The majority of patients were intubated (72.4%), got intravenous hydration (84.5%), and received antibiotics (81.3%). There was a statistically significant difference in the fluid administration (X2= 1.76, p<.05), antibiotic administration (X2= 1.64, p<.05), and mechanical ventilation (X2= 2.71, p<.05) between individuals who require hospice care and those who do not.

Conclusion: It is necessary to enhance the dialogue between doctors, patients, and caregivers regarding peaceful death and reduce unnecessary treatment.

Keywords: Cancer; Complications; Do-not-resuscitate order; End of life; Healthcare professional; Hospice care; Intensive care unit.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

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