The Royal College of Physicians estimates that 200,000 patients are issued with ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ orders every year. This means that if the patient suffers a cardiac arrest or stops breathing, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) will not be attempted.
What is shocking, however, is that a recent audit by the College estimates that in one out of five cases, equivalent to 40,000 patients a year, doctors are not informing loved ones of the order.
Do Not Resuscitate Orders Without Consent Audit
In 16% of cases, the audit found that no records existed of a conversation with the patient (or explanation of the absence of a conversation) regarding the decision to put a do not resuscitate order in place.
Professor Sam Ahmedzai, chair of the audit, stated:
“When a decision has been taken, it is unforgivable not to have a conversation with the patient – if they are conscious and able – or with the family.If a doctor was dying they would expect this. We need to show the same respect to our patients… Not enough people are being told that there are biological indications they may be nearing the end of their lives”.
The audit also found that 50% of the patients identified as ‘likely to be dying’ had passed away within one day.
In light of this, Professor Ahmedzai commented that doctors needed to be more transparent with patients who are in a critical condition:
“This is being done very late in the day – as doctors we just don’t like to face up to it.”
An NHS England spokesman said:
“Although this audit presents a snapshot of end-of-life care within NHS hospitals, there are clear variations in the support and services received across hospitals and areas where improvements must continue to be made.”
This audit comes after the highly controversial Liverpool Care Pathway was phased out and is part of the attempt to reform end-of-life care.
Comment
The outcome of the audit raises many questions, ranging from acting in the best interest of the patient to the right of patients and their families to be aware that a do not resuscitate order is in place. It brings to light failings in end-of-life care and is yet more evidence for the need of reform to what is a highly emotive and sensitive area.
How Can Nelsons Help?
At Nelsons, we have an experienced Medical Negligence team of solicitors across our Derby, Leicester and Nottingham offices, who are always happy to discuss the circumstances of your claim and advise you on whether you are likely to be successful.
Please call 0800 024 1976 or contact us via our online form for more information.