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ReSPECT Process

ReSPECT stands for Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment. This records which treatments doctors and nurses should consider for a person in a future emergency situation if the person becomes seriously unwell and is unable to communicate at the time. It is best to make plans, as far as possible, ahead of an emergency situation when the patient and their health care professionals have more time to talk about and decide what should go into the plan. The plan is made with the person either during a conversation with their GP or hospital doctor, or sometimes when a person is admitted to hospital. If a person isn’t able to talk to their doctor or nurse about the plan, it is discussed with the person’s family or someone close to them.

The plan is held by the person so that any health care professional who is involved in their care will have information about what treatment recommendations are important to the patient.

The plan can be for anyone but is particularly relevant 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.

More information about the ReSPECT process can be found on the ReSPECT website.