The influence of do-not-resuscitate orders on care provided for patients in the surgical intensive care unit of a cancer center.

Results of this study indicate that critically ill cancer patients who had a DNR order written while in the SICU received less medical intervention after the order was executed, whereas supportive nursing care remained unchanged. Addressing DNR issues in cancer patients earlier during their hospital course or even as outpatients may better serve patient and family wishes and reduce unnecessary costs of futile care.