Palestinian community perceptions of do‐not‐resuscitation order for terminally Ill patients: A qualitative study

Aim and objectives To illustrate the Palestinian community's views, opinions and stances about the concept of do‐not‐resuscitate for terminally ill patients. Background Do‐not‐resuscitate orders are practised in many countries worldwide, but there is no consensus on their practice in the Middle East. Do‐not‐resuscitate orders may be applied for terminally ill paediatric patients. Some studies have been conducted describing people's experiences with these do‐not‐resuscitate orders. However, few studies have considered community perspectives on do‐not‐resuscitate orders for terminally ill patients in Palestine. Design A descriptive‐qualitative design was adopted. Methods A purposive sample of 24 participants was interviewed, with consideration of demographical characteristics such as age, gender, education and place of residency. The participants were recruited over a period of 6 months. Individual semistructured interviews were utilised. These interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Significantly, the majority of the participants did not know the meaning of do‐not‐resuscitate and thought that removal of life‐sustaining devices and do‐not‐resuscitate were the same concept. Most of the interviewees adopted stances against do‐not‐resuscitate orders. Several factors were suggested to influence the decision of accepting or rejecting the do‐not‐resuscitate order. The majority of the participants mentioned religion as a major factor in forming their viewpoints. The participants expressed different views regarding issuing a law regarding do‐not‐resuscitate orders. Conclusion Our findings provide a unique understanding that there is a general misunderstanding among our participants regarding the do‐not‐resuscitate order. Further research with policymakers and stakeholders is still required.