Cardiopulmonary resuscitation policies in northwest England hospices: a telephone survey

DESIGN: A survey into existence of resuscitation policies in hospices in Northwest England. METHODS: All 25 hospices in the region were contacted. The clinical services manager or equivalent person was interviewed by telephone by means of a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The telephone survey had a 96% response rate. Sixteen (67%) hospices did not have a resuscitation policy although 50% of this group were developing a policy. Only eight (33%) hospices had a formal policy at the time of interview. Twenty hospices (83%) provided staff with annual training in basic resuscitation. One hospice (4%) discussed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with all patients admitted, whereas six (25%) discussed CPR only if the patient raised the topic. Five hospices (21%) would advise the patients that they should be cared for in an acute hospital, as no resuscitation would be provided. Only four hospices (17%) had written information on resuscitation. DISCUSSION: There was significant variation in the production and adherence to guidelines on resuscitation, with some patients being denied access to specialist palliative care units, as they would wish resuscitation. Much anxiety and confusion regarding this topic existed and staff clearly required further education and guidance in order to develop policies within their units and to provide standard treatment within all specialist palliative care units.