Nurses and guideline for interrupting or not initiating CPR: An exploratory survey

Abstract

Objective: An area that still causes difficulties and a sense of inadequacy in healthcare providers is related to Do Not Attempt Resuscitation decision (DNAR). The aim of the study is to investigate knowledge, opinions and behaviors of nurses about DNAR in order to plan appropriate improvement interventions.
Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to 207 nurses belonging to four Medicine Departments and to four Intensive Care areas. The questionnaire, which consists of 29 items, collects some information related to work experience and investigates opinions and behaviors of nurses about DNAR decision.
Results: 55% of the nurses in the sample say they do not know the meaning of the acronym DNAR. It was noted a statistically significant association both between training and knowledge of DNAR (p-value = .038) and between years of work and knowledge of the acronym (p-value = .004). There was also a statistically significant difference between knowledge of the acronym and some opinions and behaviors of nurses, including the importance of informing the patient about DNAR decision (p-value = .028).
Conclusions: The study shows that the sample investigated, regardless of the work area of afference, does not know DNAR decision adequately. The lack of knowledge influences opinions and attitudes of nurses in relation to DNAR decision, constituting a barrier for an appropriate management of the patient. The need for more training on the topic and the formulation of clear protocols on DNAR decision emerges.