DNAR Medical Abbreviation

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Analgesia team

Last Updated on April 2, 2025 by Analgesia team

DNAR Meaning | Why Put in Place

DNAR stands for “do not attempt resuscitation“. It’s a medical abbreviation that refers to a decision made by a patient, their doctor, or healthcare team instructing the medical team not to attempt to restart a patient’s heart or breathing if it stops. DNAR is sometimes used interchangeably with DNR, which means “do not resuscitate“.

DNAR meaning in medical

Purpose of DNAR

People who choose to have a DNR usually have a terminal illness or other serious medical condition. In most situations, a healthcare provider writes the order after discussing the benefits and risks of CPR with the person, their loved ones or their legal decision-maker

DNR is a medical directive that ensures patients receive care aligned with their wishes and medical needs. It specifically applies to situations where a patient’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. The goal is to

Avoid unnecessary suffering caused by aggressive resuscitation attempts.
Respect the patient’s autonomy and dignity, especially in cases of terminal illness or poor prognosis.
Focus on providing comfort and quality of life rather than prolonging life at all costs.

Ethical Considerations

DNAR decisions often involve complex ethical discussions:

Patient Autonomy: Patients have the right to make decisions about their own care, including refusing resuscitation.
Beneficence and Non-Maleficence: Healthcare providers aim to do good (beneficence) and avoid harm (non-maleficence). In some cases, resuscitation may cause more harm than benefit, such as broken ribs or prolonged suffering.
Family Involvement: When patients cannot make decisions themselves, families are often consulted. Balancing their input with the patient’s best interests can be challenging.

Legal Aspects of DNAR

The legal framework for DNAR varies by country, but some common principles include:

Documentation: DNAR orders must be documented in the patient’s medical records. In some cases, patients may carry a DNAR form or bracelet.
Consent: While doctors can recommend a DNAR order based on medical judgment, patient or family consent is typically sought.
Advance Directives: Patients can express their wishes through advance directives or living wills, which may include DNAR instructions.
Review and Revocation: Its orders are not permanent and should be reviewed regularly. If a patient’s condition improves, the order can be revoked.

Practical Implications

DNAR orders do not mean “do not treat.” Patients with DNAR orders still receive appropriate medical care, such as:

Pain Management: Ensuring comfort through medications and palliative care.
Oxygen Therapy: Supporting breathing without invasive measures.
Hydration and Nutrition: Providing basic needs unless otherwise specified.

Communication and Decision-Making

Effective communication is crucial in DNAR discussions:

Clarity: Healthcare providers must explain the implications of DNAR in simple terms.
Empathy: These conversations often occur during emotionally charged moments, requiring sensitivity and understanding.
Shared Decision-Making: Involving patients, families, and medical teams ensures that decisions are well-informed and respectful of everyone’s perspectives.

A patient’s advance directive is another way to communicate their medical care preferences. An advance directive can be tailored to a patient’s specific circumstances and is more likely to be followed than a DNR.