DNACPR discussions: are nurses adequately prepared for them?

Advance care planning and the tools that can help you ask patients with a life-limiting illness what is important to them – intervention or comfort and support?

A do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) notice advises healthcare professionals not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for a person.

It is a document issued and signed by the most senior clinician in charge of the person’s care, which is normally a doctor but can be a senior nurse.

DNACPR: part of advance care planning

Resuscitation decisions sit within advance – or anticipatory – care planning and should involve individuals and family members in a process of shared decision-making and consideration of patient best interest.

However, DNACPR notices