An official investigation has been launched into allegations that large numbers of patients in care homes were placed on do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation orders without their full consent.

The investigation is to be conducted by the Care Quality Commission at the request of the Department of Health and Social Care in England. The CQC said there would be interim findings later this year. The investigation will identify best practice – but also identify where there have been mistakes, the CQC said.

The chief inspector of primary medical services Dr Rosie Benneyworth said: “We welcome this commission from Department of Health and Social Care and are taking it forward at pace. This builds on the concerns we reported earlier in the year and we are pleased that they are being given closer attention. Health and social care providers have faced extraordinary pressures this year. Both staff, and people using services and their loved ones, have at times raised concerns with us about care. It is vital that we take this opportunity to learn from what has happened – challenging poor care and sharing the ways that providers have put people’s needs at the heart of their care so that others can learn from them.

“Along with partners we have been clear that it is unacceptable for advance care plans, with or without Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) form completion, to be applied to groups of people of any description. These decisions must continue to be made on an individual basis according to need. Through this review we will look to identify and share best practice in this complex area, as well as identifying where decisions may not have been patient-centred and ensuring mistakes are not repeated.”