Paramedic attitudes towards DNACPR orders
Armitage, Ewan Jones, Colin
Armitage, Ewan
Jones, Colin
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Abstract
Abstract published with permission.
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.