Ethical attitudes of ICU physicians in Hong Kong

Introduction

Medical practice in HK is based on Western principles. However, most local doctors and patients are Chinese with a strong Chinese cultural and religious background. This study explores the practice and ethical attitudes of ICU doctors in HK, using a structured questionnaire modified from recent European ethical questionnaires [1,2].

Results

Of 90 questionnaires distributed to 12 ICUs in HK, 65(72%) were returned.

In HK, 99% of physicians would sometimes withhold and 89% sometimes withdraw therapy from patients with no chance of recovery, compared to 93 and 77% in Europe. More respondents in HK involved patients and/or families in decision making (83% compared to 49%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Although demographically different, the ethical behavior and attitudes of ICU doctors in HK and Europe are similar. HK doctors involve families more often in the discussion of end-of-life issues.

Table

Table ICU admission limited by bed availability (% of respondents)

Table ICU admission for patients with poor prognosis or poor quality of life (% respondents)

Table Application and discussion of DNR orders (% of respondents)