This course is designed for any staff members who will be working within the health sector in a clinical role. The aim of this training is for the learner to be able to understand the terminology and general processes of preparing for death and DNACPR, as required by your workplace.
Process and Preparation of Death & DNACPR in Primary Care
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- Average time to complete: 2 hours
- 100% online
- Downloadable resources included
- Free CPD-accredited certificate to evidence professional development
This CPD-accredited DNACPR and verification of death training course provides an introduction to these areas within primary care. It brings together advance care planning, lasting power of attorney, ReSPECT, and PEACE plans, DNACPR, confirmation of death and death certification, while recognising the importance of compassionate communication with patients and those close to them.
Why this course matters
- Decisions about future care and resuscitation can have a profound effect on patients and their families
- DNACPR relates specifically to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and should be understood within the wider context of a person’s care
- Advance planning can help clinicians understand a patient’s wishes before an emergency occurs
- Verification of death carries important clinical, professional and documentation responsibilities
- Clear communication is essential when discussing death, dying and future treatment with patients and families
- Understanding the distinction between verification and certification of death can help clinicians navigate the processes that follow a death
What you will learn
- The role of lasting power of attorney and advance decisions in future healthcare planning
- What ReSPECT, PEACE and DNACPR are and how they relate to end-of-life discussions
- Considerations for sensitive conversations about future treatment, resuscitation and dying
- The principles involved in recognising and confirming that death has occurred
- The distinction between verification of death, recognition of life extinct and medical certification of cause of death
- The information and professional considerations involved when completing DNACPR documentation
Who this course is for
This online DNACPR and verification of death course is aimed at appropriately qualified clinical professionals working in primary, community or other healthcare settings where end-of-life care forms part of their role. It is particularly relevant to:
- GPs and GP trainees
- Registered nurses whose role may include verification of expected death
- Advanced clinical practitioners
- Paramedics and other appropriately qualified urgent or community care clinicians
- Community and palliative care clinicians
- Other registered healthcare professionals whose organisation permits them to confirm or verify death
Eligibility to verify death varies according to profession, competence and local organisational policy.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the purpose of advance care planning and lasting power of attorney
- Describe the roles of ReSPECT, PEACE and DNACPR within future care planning
- Recognise important communication considerations when discussing end-of-life care
- Explain the principles involved in confirming or verifying death
- Distinguish verification of death from medical certification of the cause of death
- Identify key information and professional responsibilities associated with DNACPR documentation
Full course description
Planning ahead for care and treatment
End-of-life planning can begin well before a person reaches their final days. The course introduces lasting power of attorney, advance decisions and planning processes that can help ensure a person’s preferences are understood if they later become unable to make or communicate decisions themselves.
ReSPECT, PEACE and DNACPR
ReSPECT and PEACE planning are considered alongside DNACPR, giving learners an overview of how discussions about future emergency care, treatment and resuscitation may be recorded.
Particular attention is given to the sensitivity of these conversations, including the importance of clear language, checking understanding and allowing patients and families time to ask questions.
Confirmation and verification of death
The course introduces the clinical principles used when confirming that death has occurred, including the physiological and bodily signs that may be considered.
It also explores terminology such as verification of life extinct and recognition of life extinct, while reinforcing the need to follow current professional guidance and local protocols.
Death certification and professional roles
Verification of death and certification of its medical cause are separate processes. Learners are introduced to these distinctions and to the different professional responsibilities involved after a death.
DNACPR documentation
An example DNACPR form provides context for the information that may need to be recorded, including patient details, the basis for the recommendation, relevant discussions, review arrangements and clinician authorisation.
Assessment and certification
At the end of the course, you will complete an assessment to demonstrate your understanding of the topics covered. You will need to achieve a result of 80% or higher to pass.
On successful completion, you will receive a free CPD-accredited certificate, which can be downloaded or printed as evidence of your professional development.
Professional responsibility and scope
This course supports knowledge and understanding but does not, by itself, confirm competence to verify death, make resuscitation recommendations or complete documentation independently. To gain basic life support skills, including resuscitation, and responding to choking and anaphylaxis, please visit our Basic Life Support online course.
- Verification of death should only be undertaken by appropriately trained and competent professionals in accordance with local policy
- Competency should be assessed within your workplace
- Practice should align with local protocols, current guidance, and professional standards
- You are responsible for applying learning appropriately within your role
- Legal and administrative processes following death vary across the UK and local requirements must be followed
- Sensitive discussions should respect capacity, patient wishes and the involvement of those close to the individual where appropriate
- Current national guidance should take precedence where processes have changed since the course was produced
Average time to complete
Approximately 2 hours, depending on your prior knowledge and experience. The course is fully self-paced, allowing you to complete it in stages. You can revisit any sections that you’re unsure of.
Course Content
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I buy this course for someone else?
Yes. To do this, register using their email address and the name they would like to appear on their certificate.
For example, you might know them as Kate, but they may need their certificate issued in their full birth name, Katherine. It’s best to check these details with them first.
Once the purchase is complete, they will receive the automatic course link by email.
Can I complete the course in my own time, and how long do I have to access it?
All of our online courses are self-paced, so you can complete them at a time that suits you. Your progress is saved at the end of each lesson, allowing you to return and continue later.
You will have six months from the date of enrolment to complete the course. After six months, the course will no longer be available.
Some courses, such as Basic Life Support, must be completed annually by clinical staff. A new course will therefore need to be purchased each year to ensure the training reflects the most up-to-date guidance.
Can I access the training material after completing the course?
Yes. The course materials are available to download during your access period, so you can keep a copy for future reference. Your course access will remain active for six months from the date of enrolment, after which the course will no longer be available.
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept card payments via Stripe. You can pay using a debit or credit card (such as Visa or Mastercard).
When will I get my certificate?
As soon as you have passed the end-of-course assessment and achieved the required pass rate of 80% or more, your certificate will be available to download from the top of the course page.
Do you offer refunds if I no longer need the course?
Refunds may be available if you have not logged into your account.
Once you have logged in, you will have access to the course materials and downloadable content, and a refund will no longer be possible.
What should I do if I can't log into my account?
When registering, please make sure you enter the correct email address, as login issues are often caused by an incorrect email being used. It can help to copy and paste your email address to avoid mistakes.
If you are unable to log in, click ‘Forgotten password’ and follow the instructions to reset your password via the email link sent to you.
If you continue to experience issues, please contact GPHA-training@gphealthcarealliance.co.uk and we will endeavour to respond within two working weeks.
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Choose five or more courses for one learner and receive 30% off the full package
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Purchasing multiple licences for the same course?
- 5 or more learners, receive 10% off
- 10 or more learners, receive 20% off
To receive a discount code or discuss offers, email gpha-training@gphealthcarealliance.co.uk
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