Clinical perspectives on portable do-not-resuscitate orders.

A do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order is a written medical order that documents a patient's wishes regarding resuscitation and, more specifically, the patient's desire to avoid cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A DNR order is one of the most important patient care directives that can be issued because it has dramatic and irreversible consequences. A portable DNR order is a do-not-resuscitate directive that travels with the patient. One way to improve continuity among providers and organizations is to develop statewide portable DNR and end-of-life orders that ensure patients' wishes are followed regardless of setting.

Duke Scholars

Author Deirdre KIing Thornlow School of Nursing