Resuscitation Of Patients, UK
November 1, 2007 – 2:05 pm | posted in NursingFollowing publication of guidance from the British Medical Association (BMA) and Royal College of Nursing (RCN) concerning decisions to resuscitate patients, the NMC wishes to clarify how the guidance from the BMA and RCN relates to the individual responsibility of nurses and midwives to abide by ‘The NMC code of professional conduct: standards for conduct, performance and ethics’ (the Code).
The Code requires each nurse and midwife to act at all times in such a manner as to justify public trust and confidence. Nurses and midwives are personally accountable for their practice and, in the exercise of professional accountability, must work in an open and co-operative manner with patients and their families, foster their independence and recognise and respect their involvement in the planning and delivery of care.
It is best practice that any individual nurse or midwife involved in a sensitive matter such as this ensures that decisions are not taken in isolation but have involved all members of the multi-professional team and where appropriate the patient and family members. There should always be an accurate and comprehensive record of any decision making and discussion. Employers should also have local protocols and procedures in place regarding resuscitation of patients and these should be adhered to by nurses and midwives provided that such procedures do not conflict with the Code.
Whilst the NMC can provide support and guidance, it is expected that nurses and midwives should exercise their professional judgement to reach decisions on what is in the best interest of the patient, especially where they lack capacity and advanced directives are not known.
It should be highlighted that there is an important distinction between withdrawing or withholding treatment which is of no clinical benefit to the patient, or is not in the best interests of the patient, and taking a deliberate action to end the life of a patient. A deliberate action which is intended to cause death is unlawful.
The NMC recognises that there are strong views within the professions regarding the withdrawing/withholding of care or treatment of any kind. The Code states that an individual nurse or midwife must protect and support the health of individual patients. The Code also clearly directs that a nurse or midwife must respect the rights of an individual and the right of a patient in planning their own care. Nurses and midwives are advocates for the patient and have a legal, moral and professional duty to care recognising the patients right to individual choice at all times.
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