ReSPECT Learning Podcast ReSPECT

ReSPECT is a process that creates personalised recommendations for a person’s clinical care in a future emergency in which they are unable to make or express choices. It provides healthcare professionals responding to that emergency with a summary of recommendations to help them to make immediate decisions about that person’s care and treatment.

Anyone can participate in the ReSPECT process, even if they are currently well, but it may be most relevant for people who have particular healthcare needs.
The ReSPECT process is best started and the form completed when a person is relatively well.
The ReSPECT process can be used for people of all ages.
Any professional involved in a person’s care can initiate the ReSPECT process with endorsement from the senior clinician.

The ReSPECT process is designed to empower the person and the clinician to have a two-way conversation about priorities of care and recommendations for emergency treatment. Some aspects of the ReSPECT conversation may be difficult, such as discussing limits to care and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The ReSPECT process is designed to empower the person and the clinician to have a two-way conversation about priorities of care and recommendations for emergency treatment. Some aspects of the ReSPECT conversation may be difficult, such as discussing limits to care and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Once a form is completed, it is important that the person keeps it with them, and that it is readily available for professionals who may need to see and use it.

At home the ReSPECT form should be kept somewhere accessible, so that their family or other representatives know exactly where to find the ReSPECT form if an emergency occurs. In a hospital, care home, hospice or other organisation the form must be stored in a clearly defined and rapidly accessible place, whether it is in paper or electronic format.

Once the ReSPECT process has been adopted in a community it can be used in the all settings – the person’s home wherever that may be, in all health and care settings, and by transport services. It is therefore important that the person keeps their ReSPECT form with them, and that it is readily available for professionals to see and use it.