'Do-not-resuscitate' preferences of the general Swiss population: Results from a national survey

AIMS: To assess the do-not-resuscitate preferences of the general Swiss population and to identify predictors influencing decision-making. Methods: A nationwide web-based survey was conducted in Switzerland on a representative sample of the adult population. The primary endpoint was the preference for a “Do Not Resuscitate” order (DNR Code Status) vs. cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR Code Status) in a clinical case vignette of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Secondary endpoint were participants’ own personal preferences for DNR. Results: 1138 subjects participated in the web-based survey, 1044 were included in the final analysis. Preference for DNR code status was found in 40.5% (n = 423) in the case vignette and in 20.3% (n = 209) when making a personal decision for themselves. Independent predictors for DNR Code Status for the case vignette were: Personal preferences for their own DNR Code Status (adjusted OR 2.44, 95%CI 1.67 to 3.55; p