The decision to resuscitate: older people's views

The aim of this study was to explore how a healthy sample of the older population feel about resuscitation and the decision not to resuscitate certain patients. Their views were sought on whether a Do Not Resuscitate decision is appropriate in certain circumstances, whom they think should be involved in the decision, whether they think patients should be consulted, and if they would like to be involved in the decision themselves. Two focus groups were held in a day care setting in order to collect data, and a thematic analysis was conducted. Participants thought that a Do Not Resuscitate decision should be discussed with patients and also with relatives if appropriate. However, there was ambivalence about whether individuals would like to be involved personally in such a decision because of the anxiety this would produce.