Resuscitation decisions are part of routine practice and raise difficult, sensitive issues. We present experience of Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation (DNAR) decision-making in our unit.

Patients and staff (medical, nursing) completed a questionnaire to ascertain current practice, knowledge, and patient feeling regarding DNAR decisions.

Consultants and Registrars make DNAR decisions, junior-doctors and nurses feel they have insufficient knowledge. Senior-doctors were most familiar with BMA and Trust guidelines. The majority of all staff felt every patient should be asked. Consultants thought DNAR decision-making was least necessary.

Half of patients felt doctors had not explained the necessity of DNAR decisions and half felt conversations could have been handled better. Half said they had not been asked their opinion. Two-thirds would like more visual information.

UK-wide figures show 15% survival to discharge of in-hospital arrest; a-third of medical staff knew this. Registrars were most optimistic and consultants and ward doctors most pessimistic. All patients believed survival rate was 50%.

Important DNAR decisions are based on poor knowledge and communication. We developed an education programme for staff and information-video for patients and relatives to improve service. Video for DNAR discussions has not been previously used; it will provide a framework on which to approach this sensitive issue.