Partial DNR Orders

Abstract

Writing formal “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) orders is a relatively new practice that has come about over the last 30 years as a result of medical innovation coupled with a growing understanding that sometimes it's just not in the patient's best interest to delay the process of dying, even if we can. The notion of doing a “partial code”, such as selectively not intubating or using medication only (“chemical code”), arose out of the recent patient autonomy movement.