Discussion section on the Saudi National Do Not Resuscitate policy and Procedures

Discussion: Saudi National Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Policy and Procedures Student’s Name Institution of Affiliation Course Professor Date Discussion: Saudi National Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Policy and Procedures The Saudi National Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) policy represents a significant achievement in the spectrum of end–of–life care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Both of the goals are derived from the contemporary principles of medical ethics and the principles of Islamic Shari'ah. It seeks to establish a clear, nationally accepted guide to the DNR orders within the country's healthcare system. The policy is geared towards promoting the sanctity of life under the protection of the patient's dignity, comfort, and religious belief, especially with adherence to the Sharia law. First, this discussion paper explains the Saudi DNR policy regarding international guidelines, which subsequently looks at the consequences of this policy for healthcare professionals and authorities, and, lastly, outlines future research directions to improve the policy's application. An Overview of the Policy and General Outcomes The Saudi National DNR policy includes the regulation developed by the Saudi Health Council that spells out numerous aspects of the decision-making process and further practices related to DNR orders. It follows that every patient has to be given operations, at least essential clinical treatments like CPR, until his or her DNR is ascertained, eliminating the situation whereby someone is sent to die early (Morrison et al., 2023). These patients can make DNR orders if they are in terminal stages or if their conditions are regarded as irreversible by attending consultants. The policy also points out that DNR orders cannot be a shortcut to deprive a patient; patients who have DNR orders are also eligible to receive adequate healthcare services, including such aspects as the embracement of palliative treatments to allow the patient to have the dignity and comfort they deserve (Morrison et al., 2023). This is in line with the standard practices in the management of DNR orders all over the world. For instance, in the United States, DNR policies are a component of advanced care planning that entails considerations of the need for CPR in a situation where one has a terminal illness or an irreversible condition (Shapiro & Singer, 2019). As in other countries, the Saudi case observes that DNR orders are usually applied to patients whose clinical condition would indicate that cardiopulmonary resuscitation would not be of any help or would only serve to impose a significant amount of stress on the patient. The Saudi policy is unique as it incorporates Islamic law, warranting that religious worth is considered when making DNR decisions. The Saudi DNR policy takes into consideration the concept of teamwork in making decisions at various health facilities. Writing a DNR order is supposed to involve the attending consultant and two specialists, which is done to decide to write the order informed and ethically (Milling, 2023). This requirement for multiple physicians is similar to that of other countries, such as Australia and the UK, where a team of clinicians comes together to make decisions on the end of life. Besides, Saudi policy tries to prevent adverse situations or uncoordinated actions that may harm patients because of the strict control of quality and safety protocols. Furthermore, patient/family communication is recognized as a policy in this policy maker. Although patient self-determination is one of the foundational concepts of contemporary bioethics, Saudi policy permits certain levels of decision-making for the attending physician regarding the suitability of such communication. This flexibility was observed since not all patients or their families are psychologically or ethnically ready to make end-of-life choices, especially in this part of the world where familism dominates the decision-making process. One rather unique feature of the Saudi policy is the condition that DNR orders should be suspended in certain circumstances, like surgery or viable pregnancy. Concerning a surgical procedure, for example, there is an automatic withdrawal of the DNR order because patients are given necessary treatment during surgery, but this DNR order can be reactivated after 48 hours following the operation, as suggested by Ntseke (2022). In balancing the issue of the patient's DNR status and the need for ensuring proper, immediate, or life-saving treatment, the policy has embraced the ethical aspect as part of its policy. Reflection on Practice and Policy Makers The Saudi National DNR policy suggests important implications for practice a...