A survey of Australian and New Zealand anaesthetists' attitudes towards resuscitation orders in the perioperative setting

Abstract

Not for resuscitation (NFR) orders are often suspended during anaesthesia, as perioperative care is believed to inherently involve the need for resuscitation including ventilation support. Recent legislative changes in Australia, New Zealand and the UK have enacted the binding nature of advance care directives (ACDs) in healthcare. National guidelines regarding codes of practice and government strategic plans for implementing advance care planning have reinforced the role for advance care planning in modern healthcare. We surveyed a random selection of Australian and New Zealand consultant and trainee anaesthetists to assess their attitudes towards NFR orders and ACDs in the perioperative se..