Futile therapy from a medical student’s perspective

Introduction
The concept of futile therapy has become increasingly common among medical staff, especially in anaesthesiology and intensive care units (ICU), in recent years. Guidelines for limiting futile therapy are available, but most ICU staff do not apply them. The aim of this study was to analyse the knowledge and views of Polish medical students on futile therapy.

Material and methods
The survey was carried out among medical students. The first phase took place in 2019. After analysis and modification of the questionnaire, the survey was continued in 2022–2023. The questionnaire included questions about knowledge and understanding of the concept of futile therapy.

Results
In the second phase, 231 students were surveyed. 74% of the students were familiar with the concept of futile therapy, but only 39% defined it correctly. 25% of students were aware of the existence of official Polish admission criteria to the ICU. 61% of students had encountered patients with futile therapy. 69% believed that futile therapy is limited to less than 30% of cases. Most of the students supported the introduction of the DNR declaration into Polish law. According to the students, the patient’s condition/prognosis and the patient’s will are the most important factors influencing the frequency of futile therapy. Withdrawing therapy is more difficult than withholding it.

Conclusions
Medical students are aware of the problem of futile therapy but need more knowledge about it. To reduce the incidence of futile therapy in the future, it is necessary to educate students, especially about the existing admission criteria to the ICU. Withdrawing therapy is more difficult than withholding it; therefore, early use of protocols to limit futile therapy should be promoted.