Reducing unnecessary and non-indicated resuscitation attempts in COVID-19 oncology patients by improving documentation of resuscitation plan on admission including early recognition of appropriate DNACPR

ABSTRACT

Local Guy's and St Thomas' and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines advise of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in adult inpatients with COVID-like illness, the importance of early identification of deteriorating patients and recording treatment escalation plans and do not attempt CPR (DNACPR) discussions.1,2 Since intensive treatment unit admission and performing CPR for COVID-19 patients carries a significant risk of spread via aerosol generating procedures, eg CPR and intubation, a prompt discussion of resuscitation status and ceiling of care is required to reduce the number of inappropriate resuscitation attempts and to improve the early documentation of resuscitation status. COVID-19 has paved the way for early identification and accurate documentation of escalation status which is vital for improving patients' quality of care. * Conflicts of interest None declared. 3 Harding H, Broom A, Broom J. Aerosol-generating procedures and infective risk to healthcare workers from SARS-CoV-2 the limits of the evidence.