THE ROLE OF PALLIATIVE CARE IN NEW PERIOPERATIVE DNR ORDERS: RISK FACTORS AND TIMING

Sep 29, 2026

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Study evaluates how palliative care consultation (PCC) relates to new do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders in surgical patients aged 65 and older, using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Geriatric Surgery Verification pilot data from 2015–2019. Among 44,172 patients, 2.7% received a new DNR order, most commonly on the day of surgery. PCC was strongly associated with new DNR after adjustment (OR 9.95, 95% CI 6.42–15.42), with nearly half of PCC and DNR orders placed on the same day, and many occurring shortly before death. Findings suggest earlier goals-of-care discussions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

THE ROLE OF PALLIATIVE CARE IN NEW PERIOPERATIVE DNR ORDERS: RISK FACTORS AND TIMING

Data source and study period

Outcomes and timing of DNR and PCC

Statistical association and key findings

Implications for earlier goals-of-care discussions

FAQs

What relationship does the study examine between PCC and new DNR orders?

The study assesses whether palliative care consultation (PCC) is associated with receiving a new do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order in older surgical patients and how the timing between them varies.

When are new DNR orders and PCC most often placed?

New DNR orders are placed preoperatively in 21% of cases, on the day of surgery in 33%, and postoperatively in 46%. Among patients with DNR and PCC, 45% have them placed on the same day, and many PCCs occur within one day prior to death.

What is the strength of the association after adjustment?

After adjustment, PCC is significantly associated with new DNR orders (OR 9.95; 95% CI 6.42–15.42).

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by acoobca