Adult Medical Emergency Handbook - Scottish Intensive Care Society

MAKING A DECISION ABOUT RESUSCITATION
Lothian Framework for
Resuscitation Decisions
(See policy document for full details)
Can a cardiac or
respiratory arrest
be anticipated?
For example:
• Progressive cardiac or
respiratory compromise
• Previous life-threatening
event or condition in which
cardiac arrest is likely
• Patient dying from
irreversible condition e.g.
advanced cancer
YES
Are you as certain as
you can be that CPR
would realistically
have a medically
successful outcome?
NO
Are you as certain as
you can be that CPR
would realistically
NOT have a medically
successful outcome?
NO
Seek advice
NO NO
For example: NO
NO
YES
Is there anything about
the patient that makes you
think they may not wish
to be resuscitated in the
event of an unexpected
cardiac arrest?
• Severe incurable
neurodegenerative condition
YES
CPR should
be carried out
• Do not burden the patient or
relevant others with a CPR
decision
• Continue to communicate
and assess any concerns
of the patient and relevant
others. This may involve
discussion on CPR and its
outcome
• Review only when
circumstances change
• In the event of cardiopulmonary
arrest, carry out
CPR
Advanced Decision on CPR is possible
• Sensitive exploration of the patients wishes regarding
resuscitation should be undertaken by the most experienced
staff available
• If the patient is competent for this decision, discuss options
of CPR and DNAR with patient. Involve relevant others* if
appropriate (with patient’s permission).
• If the patient is not competent to understand the implications
of this discussion, the medical team should make this decision
based on available information regarding patient’s previous
wishes (from relevant others*, other healthcare professionals
or members of the multidisciplinary team). Relevant others*
should never be asked to make the decision unless they are
the legally appointed proxy/welfare guardian for the patient.
• Document the decision and any discussion around that
process
• Continue to communicate and assess any concerns of the
patient and relevant others*
• Ongoing review to assess any change in circumstances
• In the event of a cardio-pulmonary arrest, act in accordance
with the documented decision
CPR inappropriate
• As CPR would not be successful it cannot be offered as a
treatment option. A DNAR form should be completed and
used to communicate this information to those involved in the
patient’s care.
• Allow natural death with good palliative care and support for
patient and relevant others
• Do not burden the patient or relevant others* with a CPR
decision
• Document decision and review fortnightly or if the patient’s
situation changes
• Continue to communicate and assess any concerns of the
patient and relevant others (which may include discussion
about why CPR is inappropriate)
• Ongoing review to assess any change in circumstances
*Relevant others refers to the patient’s relatives, carers, guardian etc
28 adult medical emergencies handbook | NHS LOTHIAN: UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS DIVISION | 2009/11