Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) - integrated adult policy: guidance

REVIEWING THE DECISION

Each patient must be considered individually with the decision being reviewed as soon as is practical when clinical responsibility for the patient changes and at clinically appropriate and regular intervals. The time frame for review must be stated on initial completion of the DNACPR form and this may be on, for example, a six-monthly, fortnightly or daily basis. Discussions subsequent to the initial completion are desirable on a periodic basis to allow for changes in the patient's circumstances or if treatment alternatives became available that may alter the patient's preference.

However, it is the responsibility of the medical and nursing staff to bring any change in a patient's condition to the attention of the senior doctor or nurse in charge as the DNACPR decision must be reviewed if at any time the patient's condition improves significantly.