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Do-not-attempt-cardiopulmonary resuscitation decisions in critical care: The gap between theory and practice

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The provision or withholding of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is often a source of much controversy. Do-Not-Attempt CPR (DNACPR) decisions have been discussed extensively from an ethical and legal point, not to mention featuring heavily in the news. We aim to discuss various aspects of DNACPR decision-making with particular relevance to the Intensive Care environment. In doing so, we highlight important concepts associated with decision-making and common challenges encountered. Firstly, we provide a broad oversight of the current context in which such decisions are made before describing the principal ethical points of consideration and their relevance. This is followed by insights from a legal point as well as practical suggestions for approaching such decisions. It is hoped that these will help to assist clinicians with making such complex decisions under challenging circumstances.

Source: Journal of the Intensive Care Society

DOI: 10.1177/17511437251369306

Authors: Prashanth Nandhabalan, Thearina de Beer, Robert Tobin, Dan Harvey, Richard Innes, Aaron D’Sa, Victoria Metaxa

Institutions: The Royal Free Hospital, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Taunton & Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Language: English

Topic: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4414923683

FWCI:

Cites: 25

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