One question which often comes up is how to ask about code status and whether CPR, intubation and life support need always be offered.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has a policy statement on the matter which you can read here. Some excerpts:
"When it is clear from available evidence that treatment will almost certainly not be of benefit or may be harmful to the patient, physicians should refrain from beginning or maintaining such treatment. Any recommendation not to initiate life support, or to withdraw life support, should be discussed with the patient or substitute decision-maker, and family if there is consent."
"If the patient or substitute decision-maker, or family if there is consent, insists on a course of treatment that the physician feels will not be of benefit to the patient, the physician may offer to transfer care of the patient to another facility or care provider who is willing to provide that treatment. This option should be considered only after alternative methods of conflict resolution have been exhausted."
Conflict between healthcare providers and patients and/or their families on this topic can lead to stress on high levels of stress on both sides. If tensions really escalate, sometimes the media gets involved. This recent W5 Segment is an example of this.
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