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'Do not resuscitate' orders: the need for a policy
1Hampstead Health Authority, London.
Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London
|April 1, 1993
Summary
UK hospitals widely use do not resuscitate (DNR) orders without formal policy. Ethical and medical grounds are key, but patient involvement and communication failures highlight the need for clear resuscitation policies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Healthcare Policy
Background:
- The practice of 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) orders in UK hospitals lacks a formal, unified policy.
- DNR decisions are complex, involving medical and ethical considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the ethical implications of DNR decision-making.
- To review current practices and identify variations in DNR order implementation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current practices regarding DNR orders in UK hospitals.
- Exploration of ethical considerations in resuscitation decisions.
Main Results:
- Significant variation exists in how DNR orders are made.
- Patient involvement in DNR decisions is minimal.
- Communication failures occur between healthcare professionals.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for national and local resuscitation policies.
- Policies must integrate medical, ethical, and practical aspects of DNR decision-making.
Keywords:
Death and Euthanasia