A recent audit looked at 18 DNACPR forms completed last December.
Of these, 10 had put "no" to a DNACPR discussion - though further investigation showed there were 10 really good conversations the same or next day, but the form hadn't been updated.
Our learning is that the form can be amended or added to retrospectively, and the discussion box ticked via the modify option in EPR:
- Find the DNACPR form in the patient record
- Go to Section 1 - Other discussion details
- Choose Modify, make amends and save.
The purpose of a DNACPR decision is to provide immediate guidance to those present (mostly healthcare professionals) on the best action to take (or not take) should the person suffer cardiac arrest or die suddenly.