Do not attempt resuscitation order in Japan.

Aim: In Japan, the do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR) order is practised routinely even though no related laws or guidelines exist. This study aimed to clarify the current status of DNAR, reveal existing DNAR-related issues, and improve the application of DNAR.

Methods: A questionnaire survey of medical institutions in Kanagawa Prefecture (total population, 9,120,000) about the current status of DNAR was carried out.

Results: The results showed that DNAR has been practised at approximately 90% of the hospitals surveyed, but only about 30% have developed in-hospital DNAR guidelines. Approximately 80% of the hospitals do not involve patients in the decision on their own DNAR orders. Because the DNAR order has not been legislated, it is often unclear whether to resuscitate patients when a request for an ambulance is made for a cardiac arrest at home.

Conclusion: It is necessary for prefectures, municipalities, and local medical control authorities to take the initiative in establishing an ordinance on DNAR orders and developing guidelines.