We present a case illustrating the common problem of a surrogate decision maker who is psychologically distressed over the medical team's recommendation to withdraw life-sustaining treatment. We suggest how a do-not-escalate-treatment (DNET) order can be helpful in such situations when the usual approaches to withholding or withdrawing care are not acceptable to the surrogate. We define a DNET order, explain when it might be useful, and discuss how it can facilitate a humane, negotiated resolution of differences.
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