WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE PATIENT PREFERENCES REGARDING CARDIOPULMONARY-RESUSCITATION

The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of medical and n on-medical factors on the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) preferen ces of patients, to determine which of them are the most important to patients when considering CPR, and to compare the views of older (grea ter than or equal to 70 years) and younger (< 70 years) patients. We i nterviewed 180 patients, 86 of whom were aged 70 years or older. 'I do not want to be a burden on my family' was the most important factor f or older patients, and they were more ready to leave the decision to t he doctor than were the younger patients.'I want to retain my capacity to think clearly' was most important to younger patients. In general, younger patients gave higher ratings in favour of CPR than older pati ents. Increased age, drug abuse, dementia, pain, poor functional statu s and a low likelihood of success were associated with a lower prefere nce rating for CPR in both age groups.