[Difficulties and shortcomings in decisions on treatment restrictions].

Using a questionnaire for doctors at the Central hospital in Kristianstad, Sweden, we have investigated how work on treatment restrictions is handled and documented, whether different circumstances affect the decisions taken, and what support and training the doctors consider is needed. Far from all patients/relatives are informed about decisions regarding life support treatment, and compliance with applicable laws and directives is low. The propensity to inform tend to be lower when the decision is that no life-sustaining measures will be taken.