A framework for making advance decisions on resuscitation

Decisions about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) continue to cause difficulties for healthcare professionals. Current UK guidelines provide information on the underlying principles, but do not include a clear decision framework. The resulting confusion about when and who to ask about CPR can result in an inappropriate burden being placed on patients, partners or families. A simple clinical decision framework is presented, together with the underlying principles. This framework is offered as an aid for clinicians and patients in understanding the current ethical, clinical and legal guidance on decisions about CPR.