DRAFT

ROYAL BERKSHIRE AMBULANCE

NHS TRUST

OP /

OPERATIONAL POLICY & PROCEDURE

Decisions Relating to

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Introduction

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can be attempted on any individual in whom cardiac or respiratory function ceases. Failure of these functions is inevitable as part of dying and thus CPR can theoretically be used on every individual prior to death. It is therefore essential to identify patients for whom cardiopulmonary arrest represents a terminal event in their illness and in whom CPR is inappropriate. It is also vital to encourage the involvement of patients, the health care team and people close to the patient in decision making, and to ensure the communication of decisions to all relevant health professionals.

Background

"Do-not-attempt-resuscitation" (DNAR) decisions may be a potent source of misunderstanding and dissent amongst clinicians and others involved in care of patients. The factors surrounding a decision whether or not to initiate CPR involve complex clinical considerations and emotional issues. The decision arrived at in the care of one patient may be inappropriate in a superficially similar case. Many of the problems in this difficult area would be avoided if communication and explanation of the decision were improved, both to relevant health professionals and people close to the patient.

Unfortunately, in many cases, staff least experienced or equipped to undertake such sensitive tasks carries out the resuscitation of a patient. A letter from the Chief Medical Officer (PL/CMO (91) 22) following a case brought to the attention of the Health Service Commissioner clarified where responsibility lies. The Chief Medical Officer makes it clear that the responsibility for resuscitation policy lies with the consultant concerned and that each consultant should ensure that this policy is understood by all staff who may be involved.

Guidelines

1.  It is appropriate to consider a do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) decision in the following circumstances:
a) Where the patient's condition indicates that effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is unlikely to be successful. See Adult Death Policy.
b) Where CPR is not in accord with the recorded, sustained wishes of the patient who is mentally competent. Such discussions, and any anticipatory decisions, should be documented, signed and dated, in the patient's record. Negotiations are taking place with Health Authority, Acute Care Trusts and Primary Care Trusts regarding access to this information by the Royal Berkshire Ambulance NHS Trust. NB. Indications so far are that the patient / carer should hold a letter from the consultant involved in the current episode of patient care, stating that CPR should not be initiated


c) Where CPR is not in accord with a valid applicable advance directive (anticipatory refusal or living will). A patient's informed and competently made refusal which relates to the circumstances that have arisen is legally binding upon clinicians. Clear evidence of this must be given to ambulance staff at the scene.


d) Where successful CPR is likely to be followed by a length and quality of life which would not be in the best interests of the patient to sustain. This can only be ascertained in the presence of a medical doctor, who has had appropriate discussions with the patient and/or carer and must sign the statement "Not for CPR" in the "Comments" box of the Patient Report Form (PRF).

2.  The entry on the PRF of the decision not to resuscitate and reasons for it should be made by the most senior clinician available (eg GP or Paramedic, etc). This person should ensure that the decision is effectively communicated to other clinicians involved in the care of the patient eg GPs, receiving hospital, etc. by protocolled use of the PRF.

3.  Where a DNAR decision has not been made and the express wishes of the patient are unknown, resuscitation should be initiated if cardiac or respiratory arrest occurs. Anyone initiating CPR in such circumstances will be supported by their senior colleagues

4.  Relatives and others close to the patient cannot determine a patient's best interests, nor give consent or refuse treatment on a patient's behalf.

5.  A DNAR decision applies solely to CPR. It should be made clear that all other treatment and care, which are appropriate for the patient, are not precluded and should not be influenced by a DNAR decision. To avoid all confusion, the expression "not for cardiopulmonary resuscitation" should be used and included in the patient's notes / on the PRF.

6.  Experience with DNAR decisions is an appropriate subject for clinical audit.

Royal Berkshire Ambulance Trust Reference:

Clinical Effectiveness\Policies\Emergency Services\Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (3 pages)

(TO BE CHANGED WHEN FINAL TO CHIEF EXECUTIVE FILES)

Controlled document: CEf 40 CE/xx

February 2001

Revision 0

Review date January 2003

Revision 0

This document is based on a Joint Statement from the British Medical Association, the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the Royal College of Nursing

Medical Ethics Department

British Medical Association

BMA House

Tavistock Square

London WC1H 9JP

Telephone: 020 7383 6286
Fax: 020 7383 6233
Email:

Other Published Guidance

·  Ethical Decision-Making in Palliative Care: Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR) for People who are Terminally Ill.
Joint Working Party between the National Council for Hospice and
Specialist Palliative Care Services and the Ethics Committee of the
Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland
(undated)

·  The 1998 Resuscitation Guidelines for use in the United Kingdom.
Resuscitation Council (UK), June 1998

·  Resuscitation of Babies at Birth.
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health,
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists,
BMJ Publishing Group 1997

Acknowledgements

Written by: C Breen

Clinical Effectiveness Officer

Approved by: S Brown

Medical Director

At Clinical Effectiveness Meeting

8/1/02

Accepted by: Debbie Dunning

Emergency Services Director

At Operations Committee

12/1/02

Accepted by: Ken Sealy

Non-Executive and Chairperson

At Risk and Clinical Governance Meeting

22/1/02

Accepted by: Keith Nuttall

Chief Executive, Royal Berkshire Ambulance NHS Trust

At Board Meeting:

TBA

1/3