Do not resuscitate orders in the time of COVID-19: Exploring media representations and implications for public and professional understandings

Context:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK press featured headlines that heightened concerns around Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) orders, particularly the use of ‘blanket’ DNACPR orders applied to older people in care settings. The portrayal of DNACPR may impact professional and public understandings with implications for end-of-life care.

Objectives:

To explore the portrayal of DNACPR orders in the general and academic press and consider implications for public and professional understandings and practice.

Method:

Academic papers and articles published in the general press during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK were retrieved. Those pertaining to the use of DNACPR orders were analysed thematically.

Results:

Analysis of 179 media articles and 11 professional commentaries identified mixed understandings of DNACPR as indicated within three themes: rationing of acute services, championing autonomy in DNACPR decisions, and communication and trust. The call to ‘protect the NHS’ marginalised palliative and social care services with DNACPR constructed as a rationing tool. This led to ethical challenges around autonomy, DNACPR decisions, communication and trust.

Conclusions:

Media coverage of DNACPR orders was contentious and raised questions around the value of life and quality of dying, particularly for vulnerable individuals. DNACPR orders were conflated with frailty, futility and rationing of acute services and the marginalisation of palliative care. Nevertheless, media outputs stimulated advocacy and support for human rights and autonomy. However, it is unclear what the legacy will be for public and professional understandings of advance care planning and the quality of dying.