The importance of code status discussions in the psychiatric hospital: Results of a single site survey of psychiatrists

Objectives: Documentation of code status is a requirement with hospital admission, yet this discussion may present unique challenges with psychiatric inpatients. Currently, no standards exist on conducting these discussions with psychiatric inpatients. The authors surveyed psychiatry trainees and faculty regarding their perceptions and practice to gain further insight into the types of approaches used. Methods: The authors conducted an IRB-approved, Web-based survey of psychiatry faculty and trainees using a 25-item questionnaire of demographics and opinions about code status among psychiatric inpatients. Results: The response rate was 36.1 % (n = 30; 15 faculty and 15 trainees). Respondents felt that it was important to discuss code status with each admission. Faculty placed a higher emphasis on assessing patients with a recent suicide attempt (p = 0.024). Conclusion: Psychiatric faculty and trainees endorsed the importance of assessing code status with each admission. The authors suggest that educational programs are needed on strategies to conduct code status discussions properly and effectively in psychiatric populations.