Audit of trends in DNACPR orders: what effect do electronic records have?

Do Not Attempt Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation’ (DNACPR) order is an anticipatory decision which comes into effect following cardiac or respiratory arrest. The first hospital policies on DNACPR emerged in 1976 as awareness grew that CPR did not represent a dignified death, and consent for CPR could not be presumed. Although the concept has evolved since then many of the early problems persist today: consultation, discussion with families, consent and perceived prejudice. In many trusts consultants are advised to consider a DNACPR decision on admission where practicable. The latest revolution in inpatient care has been the arrival of the ‘electronic patient record’ (EPR), a paperless system designed to streamline care. We sought to assess the impact of computerised hospital records on the timing of DNACPR decisions