What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore the importance of pastoral care for patients who have Do Not Resuscitate orders, focusing on dignity and support.

March 23, 2026

Dying with Dignity: The Need for Pastoral Care for Patients with Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders

Key Points

This research aims to explore the importance of pastoral care for patients who have Do Not Resuscitate orders, focusing on dignity and support.
Analysis of pastoral care approaches for patients with DNR orders
Review of patient experiences regarding pain management and dignity in dying
Evaluation of family and community involvement in spiritual care
Pastoral care can provide emotional support, enhancing patients' experiences with DNR orders.
Patients reported feeling more at peace when receiving comprehensive spiritual care.
Effective support from families and communities significantly improves patients' dignity during end-of-life care.

Abstract

This paper highlights the role of pastoral/spiritual care for patients facing a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. Although DNR is sometimes seen as an unfortunate way of foregoing the patient's hope to survive, it can be a form of pastoral care to let them die with less pain through withholding excessive and burdensome treatment, thus keeping their dignity intact. More importantly, pastoral care involves the indispensable loving support of families, pastors/priests, and community members.

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Dalmacito A Cordero

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Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling Advancing theory and professional practice through scholarly and reflective publications

Dying with Dignity: The Need for Pastoral Care for Patients with Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders

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