ReSPECT

ReSPECT stands for Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment. It is a national process established by the Resuscitation Council, which has been adopted here at RWT.

• ReSPECT is a short plan about what should happen if a person needs care or treatment in an emergency but is unable to communicate their wishes at the time
• ReSPECT plans are made by patients and healthcare professionals working together and discussing the patient’s wishes about their future care and treatment. Their wishes are then recorded on a ReSPECT form
• ReSPECT can be used for anyone, but it is most important for people with complex health needs, those who are nearing the end of their lives, or those who are at risk of their health suddenly or unexpectedly getting worse
• The ReSPECT form is not legally binding. It is intended to help guide clinicians to make decisions, especially in an emergency. It also helps guide clinicians about a patient’s preferences for treatment – whether this is to prolong life, focus mainly on providing comfort, or a balance between the two
• The ReSPECT process and form can be complemented by other documents including – but not limited to – advance care plans (e.g. Me and My Care used in Wolverhampton) and Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT)
• The ReSPECT form includes treatment options and preferences and a recommendation about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It is important to note patients can still be recommended for CPR and have a ReSPECT form in place
• The ReSPECT form is held by the patient and travels with them patient as they interact with healthcare services both in hospital and in community settings
• The document can be amended as the patient’s clinical condition and preferences about their care change.

Anyone can participate in the ReSPECT process and it can be used for all ages, even if they are currently well.

Particular consideration should be given to:

• People with a long-term-condition, life limiting condition or disability who may deteriorate suddenly or are at risk of a sudden event
• People who were otherwise well who have deteriorated suddenly
• People at foreseeable risk of death or sudden cardiorespiratory arrest
• People having an intervention, such as major surgery
• People who are nearing the end of life.

The ReSPECT process is best started and the form completed when the person is relatively well, so that if a crisis happens, their preferences and agreed clinical recommendations are already known and recorded. However, some people may develop a sudden, severe illness so consideration and discussion for ReSPECT should be done as soon as reasonably possible.

Resuscitation Council UK: ReSPECT Resources

To find out more, please ask your clinician.