Attitudes of patients with COPD to discussions regarding DNAR v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Attitudes of patients with COPD in Secondary care to discussions regarding DNAR (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation) Orders.
IRAS ID
194805
Contact name
Graeme Currie
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Grampian
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 0 days
Research summary
Do Not Resuscitate (DNAR) orders, the decision to not attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on cardiac arrest, should be discussed with patients by trained health professionals in certain circumstances e.g. a life limiting condition or where death is not unexpected (NHS, 2010). General Medical Council (GMC) guidance states that information regarding DNARCPR decisions must not be withheld simply because ‘conveying it is difficult or uncomfortable’ and that choices regarding CPR should be based on the circumstances and wishes of the individual patient (GMC, 2010). \n\nChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive and life threatening disease which in its advanced stages is associated with poor quality of life and difficult decisions (Lynn et al., 2000). Despite the above guidance and studies (in general outpatient populations) showing that patients generally prefer to have DNAR decisions discussed with them (Gorton et al., 2008, Fidler et al., 2006), it is unclear whether this guidance is followed or what the patient perspective regarding discussions about DNAR is amongst patients with COPD.\n\nThe aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to discussions regarding DNAR. This will include perspectives on some specific aspects such as which health professional is deemed most appropriate to have the discussion with, where the decision should be documented and the involvement of family members. \n\nThis study will involve a questionnaire to be filled out by inpatients in the respiratory ward at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. There is a strict inclusion/ exclusion criteria and the initial approach and consent will be made /gained by foundation year doctors to avoid causing any distress to potentially vulnerable patients. Although the topic is sensitive, questions about DNAR status have been well received in similar studies (e.g. Gaber et al., 2004). \n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
16/NS/0072
Date of REC Opinion
7 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion