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Yet another experience of #DNACPR forms we want to share this week as part of #WhatPeopleTellUs.
The media loves to report on stories concerning DNACPR forms - but sadly, they are almost always negative.
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The media loves to report on stories concerning DNACPR forms - but sadly, they are almost always negative.
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It’s time to talk openly about the effect this media narrative can have on real people + their decisions about treatment.
We were contacted by an 83-yr old man with various health conditions. The first thing he said was “I want to make sure my end is peaceful, whenever it comes”
We were contacted by an 83-yr old man with various health conditions. The first thing he said was “I want to make sure my end is peaceful, whenever it comes”
He said he wanted to refuse “any extreme measures to keep me alive” if he became very unwell + was unlikely to recover.
We talked about the different treatments he might be offered and if he would want them including mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition and antibiotics.
We talked about the different treatments he might be offered and if he would want them including mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition and antibiotics.
He was very clear that when he reached a certain stage, if he couldn’t make his own decisions then he wanted to refuse all these things.
But when we got to CPR he was adamant he wanted it. We explained the realities + asked why he felt sure he wanted CPR if it was available...
But when we got to CPR he was adamant he wanted it. We explained the realities + asked why he felt sure he wanted CPR if it was available...
He said he was so worried about everything he’d read in the news, there was no way he would have a #DNACPR notice on his records...
“That means they’ve abandoned you”
So what do we think about this?
“That means they’ve abandoned you”
So what do we think about this?
Without doubt, recent media reporting has had an impact on the public perception of #DNACPR forms.
Many people tell us they view DNACPR forms with fear - thinking that doctors are giving up on them (or their relative).
Many people tell us they view DNACPR forms with fear - thinking that doctors are giving up on them (or their relative).
Many people working in healthcare have recognised this and are worried about the impact this has on people and their expectations around CPR.
@doctor_oxford https://twitter.com/doctor_oxford/status/1247836785520107520
@doctor_oxford https://twitter.com/doctor_oxford/status/1247836785520107520
Another good thread here from @sefkhet https://twitter.com/sefkhet/status/1246789917763686405
So what is the role of the media in reporting stories about #DNACPR?
Looking back at the last few months of reporting, it’s easy to make the case that the volume of these stories could have contributed to the fear of our caller…
Looking back at the last few months of reporting, it’s easy to make the case that the volume of these stories could have contributed to the fear of our caller…
But as @shaunlintern pointed out on a webinar we hosted ‘the media’ as a homogenous whole does not really exist. Not all reporting is equal. This article by him shows that you can report in a balanced, measured way - with detail and without fear mongering. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-nhs-death-do-not-resuscitate-hospitals-a9456336.html
Of course shocking examples of poor + unlawful practice like the one below should absolutely be brought to the fore. There is an important role for investigative journalism to play in rooting out these shocking examples and driving change for the better. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-do-not-resuscitate-dnr-learning-disabilities-turning-point-a9561201.html
But does the media have a role to report the other side as well?
We often try (without success) to pitch positive stories of how #DNACPR has made someone’s end-of-life experience better. We’ve seen doctors cry out for these positive stories to be told.
We often try (without success) to pitch positive stories of how #DNACPR has made someone’s end-of-life experience better. We’ve seen doctors cry out for these positive stories to be told.
But is that the role of the media? Is it naive to think they should be doing this?
There is no doubt, a positive example can help frame people’s understanding. This is a wonderful thread from a doctor @futuresrosy with a personal experience. https://twitter.com/futuresrosy/status/1247162360382386185
There is no doubt, a positive example can help frame people’s understanding. This is a wonderful thread from a doctor @futuresrosy with a personal experience. https://twitter.com/futuresrosy/status/1247162360382386185
The problem is most people don’t use Twitter, how do we reach everyone?
#DNACPR forms can provide protection from inappropriate CPR. We need to communicate this at scale to re-frame the narrative that seems to be significantly affecting peoples’ understanding of the topic.
#DNACPR forms can provide protection from inappropriate CPR. We need to communicate this at scale to re-frame the narrative that seems to be significantly affecting peoples’ understanding of the topic.
We need to actively seek out opportunities to counter a narrative that is unlikely to change anytime soon.
If we do that, we can bridge the gap in understanding between professionals + public on how, for many people, #DNACPR can be helpful.
We need bridge builders...
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If we do that, we can bridge the gap in understanding between professionals + public on how, for many people, #DNACPR can be helpful.
We need bridge builders...
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