Do not attempt resuscitation: patients and families must have a say

摘要

Patients and their relatives have the right to be consulted before a do not attempt resuscitation notice (DNAR) is placed on file by a health professional (Tracey v Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and others [2014]). Failing to do so is a breach of the patient's right to respect for a private and family life under the European Convention of Human Rights, article 8 (Council of Europe, 1950). In this article, the author sets out the steps nurses must take to ensure that DNAR notices placed on the file of their patients are lawful.