The experiences of adult patients, families, and healthcare professionals of CPR decision-making conversations in the United Kingdom: A qualitative systematic review

This qualitative systematic review examines the experiences of patients, families, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the UK regarding CPR decision-making conversations. Ten studies were included, revealing four key themes: (i) Conversation initiation, prompted by clinical deterioration or poor prognosis, with varying views on who should initiate; (ii) Patient and family involvement, with HCPs sometimes hesitant to involve potentially distressed patients, and differing views on families' roles; (iii) Influences on conversation content, including location, context, HCP attitudes, and prognosis uncertainty; (iv) Conversation outcomes, encompassing emotional distress, relief, disagreements, and incomplete conversations. Inconsistencies in approach and differing perspectives highlight the need for HCP training, pastoral support, and patient/family education.

Michelle Hartanto, Gavin Moore, Timothy Robbins, Risheka Suthantirakumar, Anne-Marie Slowther