My mum’s care means that decisions not to resuscitate must now be discussed with patients

Abstract

Doctors as well as patients should talk more openly about dying, death, and care at the end of life, says one of Janet Tracey’s daughters, Kate Masters

Helen Salisbury: Talking about death

“…Should we attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)? The medical answer isn’t always clear, and the decision should involve the patient and sometimes relatives 12. For the admitting team, it would be useful if that discussion had already taken place with a doctor who knows the patient, with a decision recorded somewhere accessible.…”

“…This sounds like common sense, so why aren’t GPs routinely discussing end-of-life care with patients who may need it soon? NHS England encourages doctors to engage in care planning conversations,2 but these don’t always happen.…”