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VOLUME 21 , ISSUE 12 ( 2017 ) > List of Articles

BRIEF COMMUNICATION

Practices and perspectives in cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts and the use of do not attempt resuscitation orders: A cross-sectional survey in Sri Lanka

Tim Stephens, Arjen M. Dondorp, Anuruddha Padeniya, Ambepitiyawaduge De Silva, Kaushila Thilakasiri, Priyantha Athapattu, Palitha G. Mahipala, Ponsuge Sigera

Keywords : Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, critical care, do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation, resource-limited, resuscitation

Citation Information : Stephens T, Dondorp AM, Padeniya A, De Silva A, Thilakasiri K, Athapattu P, Mahipala PG, Sigera P. Practices and perspectives in cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts and the use of do not attempt resuscitation orders: A cross-sectional survey in Sri Lanka. Indian J Crit Care Med 2017; 21 (12):865-868.

DOI: 10.4103/ijccm.IJCCM_314_17

License: CC BY-ND 3.0

Published Online: 01-07-2013

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2017; The Author(s).


Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempts, the perspectives of junior doctors involved in those attempts and the use of do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR) orders. Methods: A cross-sectional telephone survey aimed at intern doctors working in all medical/surgical wards in government hospitals. Interns were interviewed based on the above objective. Results: A total of 42 CPR attempts from 82 hospitals (338 wards) were reported, 3 of which were excluded as the participating doctor was unavailable for interview. 16 (4.7%) wards had at least 1 patient with an informal DNAR order. 42 deaths were reported. 8 deaths occurred without a known resuscitation attempt, of which 6 occurred on wards with an informal DNAR order in place. 39 resuscitations were attempted. Survival at 24 h was 2 (5.1%). In 5 (13%) attempts, CPR was the only intervention reported. On 25 (64%) occasions, doctors were “not at all” or “only a little bit surprised” by the arrest. Conclusions: CPR attempts before death in hospitals across Sri Lanka is prevalent. DNAR use remains uncommon.


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