Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) discussions between ICU doctors and families in a Muslim hospital.
A Prospective Study Exploring Factors Affecting ICU Transitions and Handling of Code Status - Insights Into Physician and Family Communication in a Muslim Patient Population
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center · NCT07243041
This project asks ICU doctors at a Jeddah hospital to report right after DNAR and end-of-life conversations with adult patients' families to see what affects whether a DNAR decision is reached.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 320 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Jeddah, Mecca Region) |
| Trial ID | NCT07243041 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, mixed-methods observational project conducted over 24 months in adult ICUs at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Jeddah. ICU physicians complete a brief structured questionnaire immediately after DNAR or goals-of-care discussions, and those responses are anonymously linked to de-identified electronic medical record data. A later qualitative phase will include interviews with physicians to put the quantitative findings in context. No patients or families are directly contacted; the aim is to identify clinical, cultural, religious, and institutional factors that shape DNAR decisions and communication outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are ICU physicians (residents, fellows, or consultants) who conduct DNAR discussions with adult (≥18 years) ICU patients at KFSH&RC Jeddah and agree to complete brief post-discussion questionnaires.
Not a fit: Patients under 18, those treated outside the participating ICUs, or cases where physicians decline participation are unlikely to experience direct benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to more culturally sensitive communication practices and physician training that improve clarity and alignment of end-of-life care for Muslim patients.
How similar studies have performed: Some observational and qualitative studies have explored end-of-life communication in other cultural settings, but real-time DNAR data from Muslim-majority ICUs remain limited, making this approach relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ICU physicians (residents, fellows, assistant consultants, or consultants) involved in direct patient care * ICU physicians who conduct code status or Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) discussions with patients' families during ICU admission * Willingness of ICU physicians to participate voluntarily by completing a post-goals-of-care discussion questionnaire * Adult patients (≥18 years) admitted to the ICU during the study period for whom a code status discussion occurred Exclusion Criteria: * ICU physicians who decline participation * Code status discussions involving patients younger than 18 years of age * Discussions in which the physician was not directly involved
Where this trial is running
Jeddah, Mecca Region
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center — Jeddah, Mecca Region, Saudi Arabia (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Imran Khalid — King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center
- Study coordinator: Imran Khalid, MD
- Email: ikhalid97@kfshrc.edu.sa
- Phone: +966126677777
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: End of Life Care, Muslim, Decision Making ,Shared, goals of care, do not attempt resuscitation, ICU, Shared Decision-Making, Family Communication