Table 2.

Selection of knowledge gaps about determination of death by circulatory criteria

Medical and physiologic dimensions

2.1. What is the minimum pulse pressure and pulse frequency that generates cerebral blood flow, perfusion, and function?

2.2. What is the minimal pulse pressure that an invasive blood pressure monitoring equipment can discriminate?

2.3. Are there noninvasive monitoring devices with high sensitivity and specificity profiles for accurate pulselessness detection?

2.4. What are the characteristics of autoresuscitation and prediction of time to death in neonates, children, and patients undergoing MAID?

Social and ethical dimensions

2.5. What is the influence of palliative care and WLSM practices on time to death and families’ experiences?

2.6. What are the families’ experiences and perspectives about WLSM and DCC, along with bereavement needs and outcomes?

DCC = determination of death by circulatory criteria; MAID = medical aid in dying; WLSM = withdrawal of life-sustaining measures