Ethical and legal views of physicians regarding deactivation of cardiac implantable electrical devices: a quantitative assessment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite the high prevalence of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, little is known about physicians' views surrounding the ethical and legal aspects of managing these devices at the end of life.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify physicians' experiences and views surrounding the ethical and legal aspects of managing cardiac devices at the end of life.

Methods

Survey questions were administered to internal medicine physicians and subspecialists at a tertiary care center. Physicians were surveyed about their clinical experience, legal knowledge, and ethical beliefs relating to the withdrawal of PM and ICD therapy in comparison to other life-sustaining therapies.

Results

Responses were obtained from 185 physicians. C

SUBMITTER: Kramer DB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3001282 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature