Ethical Implications of the Slow Code: A Systematic Review of Ethics of Slow Codes in U.S. Hospitals

The authors investigate the ethical implications of "slow codes" in U.S. hospitals, where clinicians perform resuscitation efforts without full commitment, often in response to patient or family requests despite the futility of such interventions. Their systematic review of 34 studies reveals a significant divide among physicians regarding the permissibility of slow codes, with most ethics literature deeming them impermissible due to concerns about deception, patient autonomy, and moral distress. The findings underscore the need for improved communication and ethical guidance in navigating end-of-life care decisions.