What does the term 'do not hospitalize' (DNH) typically refer to?

The term 'do not hospitalize' (DNH) typically refers to a directive for hospice or geriatric patients in long-term care facilities. This designation is often utilized for patients who are at the end of life or have significant chronic illnesses, where hospitalization may not provide meaningful benefits and may instead lead to increased discomfort or a lower quality of life. The intent behind a DNH order is to honor a patient's wishes or best interests by ensuring they are kept comfortable in familiar surroundings rather than being transported to a hospital setting that may be distressing or situationally inappropriate.

For patients under hospice care or those in long-term facilities, a DNH order can align with the goals of palliative care, focusing on comfort and quality of life rather than curative measures. Thus, this directive plays a vital role in respecting patient autonomy and aligning medical care with the patient's overall treatment philosophy.