Patient Insurance Status and Do-not-resuscitate Orders: Survival of the richest?

Authors

Gigi Nordquist, California State University, East Bay

Keywords

Health care, do-not-resuscitate, uninsured

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of patient insurance status upon physicians' decisions to write do-not-resuscitate orders (DNRs). Ninety-four physicians completed a questionnaire consisting of demographic data and a case vignette. In addition to the main research question, the study explored the effect of religious affiliation on writing DNRs and performing "slow codes." Results indicate that insurance status has a significant effect upon the likelihood of writing a DNR, with physicians more likely to write DNRs for patients covered by public (i.e., government-funded, as compared to private) insurance. Religious affiliation was also significant, with greater church attendance associated with a lesser likelihood of writing a DNR. Results should be interpreted with caution; however, findings from this study support related research, and warrant further exploration.

Recommended Citation

Nordquist, Gigi (2006) "Patient Insurance Status and Do-not-resuscitate Orders: Survival of the richest?," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 33: Iss. 1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3136
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol33/iss1/5