Question reference: S5W-34236
- Asked by: Neil Findlay, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 23 December 2020
-
Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 26 January 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether any application of DNACPR (do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation) notices on people’s care plans against their wishes or without their consent is a breach of their human rights.
Answer
The Scottish Government DNACPR guidance makes clear that we expect clinicians to discuss treatment options openly and honestly with patients and their families (where appropriate) to help ensure that they get the care that is right for them. This should ideally take place before an event occurs so as to avoid causing distress to the individual and their family.
Our DNACPR guidance also emphasises that where it is clear in advance that CPR would not be successful it is essential that the information that CPR cannot be offered is clearly and sensitively shared with patients or power of attorney (and their loved ones if the patient wishes to do so), unless it is judged that the conversation would cause physical or psychological harm to the individual. This discussion is then recorded on a DNACPR form and included in the individual’s care notes.
When a disagreement with the family or patient occurs around CPR, a second opinion should be offered.