Code Comfort: A Code Blue Alternative for Patients with DNRs - HBR
Code Comfort provides a response for patients whose code status is
DNR and who desire comfort measures only. It is a compassionate way to
manage pain and suffering — including emotional suffering — during an
acute crisis without providing unwanted care. Hospital staff responding
to a Code Comfort may include palliative care physicians, nurses,
respiratory therapists, chaplains and others who are prepared to rapidly
address the patient’s physical symptoms, as well as the suffering and
concerns of family members.
As is true for CPR efforts, we know teamwork matters to relieve the
suffering of dying patients. Code Comfort protocols include an
algorithm-driven method for assessing and addressing symptoms such as
pain, agitation and dyspnea. For example, a patient suffering from
severe, acute dyspnea would be given morphine and increased oxygen, her
head would be elevated, a fan might be used to provide a comforting
breeze, and she’d receive other measures to reduce anxiety. Importantly,
Code Comfort ensures that no patient or family suffers alone. Nurses
are present during the code, actively treating the patient’s symptoms
and calling in other team members as needed, all of which provides
essential emotional support and reassurance
Code Comfort: A Code Blue Alternative for Patients with DNRs
Melissa P. Phipps, John D. Phipps; December 9, 2014
