Resuscitation Council UK: ReSPECT

Summary

The ReSPECT process creates personalised recommendations for a person’s clinical care and treatment in a future emergency in which they are unable to make or express choices.

These recommendations are created through conversations between a person, their families, and their health and care professionals to understand what matters to them and what is realistic in terms of their care and treatment.

Content

ReSPECT and decision-making conversations happen between a person, their families, and their health and care professionals. These conversations help create an understanding of what is important to the person.

Patient preferences and clinical recommendations are discussed and recorded on a non-legally binding form which can be reviewed and adapted if circumstances change.

The ReSPECT process can be for anyone but will have increasing relevance for people who have complex health needs, people who are likely to be nearing the end of their lives, and people who are at risk of sudden deterioration or cardiac arrest. Some people will want to record their care and treatment preferences for other reasons.

The ReSPECT process is increasingly being adopted within health and care communities around the UK.

• ReSPECT for healthcare professionals Resources, advice and information for healthcare professionals wanting to learn more about ReSPECT.
• ReSPECT for patients and carers Find out everything you need to know about ReSPECT and what it means for your care, or the care of someone you look after.