Clinical Alert DNACPR form - Palliative Care Resources

FOR ACTION
Subject:
Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) Form - Reminder
From:
Dr Dave Macklin - Associate Medical Director and Angela Harris - Clinical
Pathways Advisor
Date: 25 July 2012
Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) Form - Reminder
Following a number of recent queries regarding the care of patients at the end of their life, we
would like to remind staff of the following points:
• One form - There is one design of form in use across the whole of Yorkshire and the
Humber.
• Colour of border - Either a red or black border is acceptable on the form. If a DNACPR
form is generated by a GP it is likely to be produced in black and white, whilst any forms
completed in an acute setting will be in red.
• Is the form an original - It is not necessary for staff presented with a DNACPR form to
establish whether or not the document is an original as it is the responsibility of all
healthcare professionals along the patient’s care pathway to ensure that only an original
exists.
• Single or double-sided form - Either a single or double-sided original form is acceptable
for YAS staff to act upon. (The second page of the form is guidance.)
• Definition of DNACPR - If someone’s heart or breathing stops as expected due to their
medical condition, no attempt should be made to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR). A DNACPR order should not affect other aspects of care or treatment, for example

treatment of life-threatening anaphylaxis, choking, infection, nutrition or hydration. All other
care should be provided at all times.
A question and answer (Q&A) document was produced to provide guidance for staff on the
regional DNACPR form and this was featured in Issue 273 of Operational Update (13 April 2012).
Please note: Any staff encountering forms which are either incomplete, a faxed copy, or they
have any other concerns, please can they report this on Prism to ensure we are capturing these
difficulties and feeding the information back to our healthcare colleagues so they can be
addressed.
An End-of-Life ‘task and finish’ group has been set up and expressions of interest for end-of-life
‘champions’ should be sent to Sara Burton in the Clinical Directorate, email:
sara.burton@yas.nhs.uk
For further information on DNACPR forms, please contact your clinical manager or Clinical
Pathways Advisor Cathryn James on 07789 865053 or Lead Nurse for Urgent Care (interim)
Angela Harris on 07824 540239.