Paramedic attitudes towards DNACPR orders
Journal of Paramedic Practice · 2017-10-02 · Qualitative study
Abstract
Background: Qualitative research involving paramedics and their involvement in end-of-life (EoL) care has already been published, but there have been no published attitudinal studies specifically relating to do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) orders and paramedics working in the pre-hospital setting in the UK. Objective: To gain an understanding of paramedic attitudes towards an increasingly common aspect of paramedic practice, focusing specifically on the pre-hospital environment and identifying any corelation between gender, length of service, and level of educational attainment. Design: A paper-based questionnaire was distributed to all paramedic grades, operational out of two ambulance stations of a regional NHS ambulance service in March 2017. The questionnaires were designed using a combination of free-text boxes and Likert scales. A total of 33 questionnaires were issued and 11 completed questionnaires were returned. Results: Respondents indicated the importance of communication in relation to DNACPR orders, as well as the role of allied health professionals and family members in the process. Respecting the patient's wishes was considered paramount, as was educational provision surrounding DNACPRs. Conclusion: The majority of respondents reported that they were comfortable incorporating DNACPR orders in their clinical practice, although more modest responses were returned regarding the level of education received in this area of paramedicine.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via OpenAlex. Reuse and removal
Tags
Advance directives & DNR · Clinician perspective · Communication & handover · Paramedics & EMTs
Related articles
- Paramedics providing end-of-life care: an online survey of practice and experiences. (BMC Palliat Care, 2024)
- Paramedic information needs in end-of-life care: a qualitative interview study exploring access to a shared electronic record as a potential solution. (BMC Palliat Care, 2019)
- Paramedics' Perceptions and Experiences Providing End-of-Life Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey. (Healthcare (Basel), 2026)
- The Nexus Between the Documentation of End-of-Life Wishes and Awareness of Dying: A Model for Research, Education and Care. (J Pain Symptom Manage, 2018)
- Perceptions and experiences of community-based healthcare professionals in the state of Qatar having do not attempt resuscitation discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Front Med (Lausanne), 2023)
- A national survey of ambulance paramedics on the identification of patients with end of life care needs. (Br Paramed J, 2020)