More discussions needed about resuscitation? DNAR orders in a district general hospital.

A retrospective case note review of 102 medical inpatients was conducted over a 4-week period and basic demographics, admitting/current diagnoses, comorbidities, functional level and length of stay were recorded. Existing DNAR orders were audited in accordance with national guidelines. An anonymised database of this information was reviewed by both an independent blinded consultant intensivist and a physician, who were asked to comment on the benefits of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of deterioration.