R39 Response Accepted AI-assessed

DNAR decision awareness

Recommendation

Health Boards should ensure that medical and nursing staff are aware that a DNAR1 decision is an important aspect of care.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
The Scottish Government accepted this recommendation in 2015. The Scottish Government published the Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) Integrated Adult Policy in 2016, which provides a standardised national approach to DNAR decisions. Subsequent updates to this policy have addressed communication requirements with patients and families regarding DNACPR decisions (Scottish Government, 2015-06-18, with 2016 policy publication).
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.gov.scot, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Response
Accepted
Accepted Scottish Government
18 Jun 2015

Section 4.1 of the Scottish Government's response notes that recommendation 39 focuses on the clinically and ethically challenging aspects of Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNAR) orders. The report sets out precise standards for decision-making, involvement, communication, and recording related to these orders. While the 'Our current position' section does not elaborate further on specific policies or initiatives regarding DNAR awareness for staff, the government's acceptance of the report's recommendations implies an understanding of DNAR as an important aspect of care.

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Published Evidence

Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.

Reasonable Progress
18 Jun 2015
Scottish Government Other

Scottish Government response noted existing DNAR policy frameworks. Scottish Government published Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) Integrated Adult Policy in 2016 providing standardised national approach.

View detailed findings

National policy standardised across NHS Scotland. Subsequent updates have addressed communication requirements with patients and families about DNACPR decisions.

Scottish Government Response and DNACPR Integrate… View Source
Source
Report The Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry Report 24 Nov 2014
Responsible Bodies
NHS Health Boards (Scotland) Primary
Recommendation age 11.3 yrs
Last formal update 3932 days ago