Discussing withholding and withdrawing of life-sustaining medical treatment in paediatric inpatients: Audit of current practice

Abstract

Aim: To understand the circumstances of inpatient deaths at a tertiary paediatric hospital and current practices regarding the timing and documentation of discussions concerning the withholding and withdrawing of life-sustaining medical treatment (WWLSMT). Methods: Retrospective review of the medical records of 50 consecutive inpatient deaths. Results: In total, 84% of inpatient deaths occurred in an intensive care setting. In all, 74% of patients had an underlying life-limiting or life-threatening condition and death was documented as having been expected in the short term in 88% of patients. Life-sustaining treatment was either withdrawn or limited prior to death in 84% of cases. There was..