DNR: an Islamic formulation

Abstract

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order would be similar to many of the decisions\ra physician faces daily if it did not call for ethical and legal considerations. To\rcomply with the intent of the order, a physician must be certain that further\rresuscitation is futile and is a waste ofresources. Abuse of the intent of the order\rcan result in passive euthanasia. The author is of the view that a DNR order\rshould be signed by an attending physician if four competent colleagues agree\rwith his assessment of its need. It is preferable to get consent from the patient,\rif competent, or from family proxies if otherwise.\rKey words: cardiopulmonary resuscitation, advanced cardiac life support.