Earlier this month the Department of Health and Social Care asked the CQQ to review how Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions were used during wave one of the pandemic.
The review is expected to look at people’s experiences in care homes, primary care and hospitals. It builds on concerns that elderly and vulnerable people may be subjected to DNACPR decisions without their consent or with little information to allow them to make an informed decision.
Back in March CQC wrote to adult social care providers and GP practices with a statement prepared with the British Medical Association, Care Provider Alliance and Royal College of General Practitioners. The statement set out their shared view on the importance of advance care planning being based on the needs of the individual. It explained that it was unacceptable for advance care plans, with or without DNAR form completion to be applied to groups of people of any description.
An interim report is expected later this year with the full report in early 2021 says the CQC.
Advance care planning
Having a personalised care plan in place, especially for older people, people who are frail or have other comorbidities has never been more important than it is now during the coronavirus pandemic.
Such advance care plans may result in the consideration and completion of a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) or ReSPECT form. CQC say that it remains essential that these decisions are made on an individual basis according to need.
Commenting on the review, Dr Rosie Benneyworth, Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care at the CQQ said: “Through this review we will look to identify and share best practice in this complex area, as well as identifying where decisions may not have been patient-centred and ensuring mistakes are not repeated."
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