Clin Med
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The Court of Appeal judgment that Janet Tracey's human rights had been breached when a 'do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation' (DNACPR) form was written about her without her knowledge has far-reaching implications for clinical practice. The 'duty to consult' extends to all patients apart from those in whom it is likely that discussion would cause 'physical or psychological harm'. ⋯ Problems with DNACPR decisions predate the Tracey case, and a coordinated alternative approach is needed: patients should be given information so that they can anticipate, initiate and participate in discussions; resuscitation decisions should be considered early in treatment, in a community setting or at predictable junctures; resuscitation should not be considered in isolation but within the context of other goals of care. Models addressing these issues have been developed.