Planning Your Future Emergency Care and Treatment

ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) is a personalised plan that helps healthcare professionals understand your wishes, preferences and clinical recommendations should an emergency occur when you are unable to communicate or make decisions yourself.

The process supports conversations between you, your family and healthcare professionals to ensure future care reflects what matters most to you.

What Is ReSPECT?

ReSPECT creates a summary of personalised recommendations for your care and treatment in emergency situations.

The plan is designed to help healthcare professionals make informed decisions quickly, ensuring treatment is appropriate to your individual circumstances, preferences and health needs.

Who Is ReSPECT For?

ReSPECT can be beneficial for anyone, but it is particularly relevant for people who:

• Have complex health conditions.
• Are at risk of sudden deterioration.
• Have ongoing healthcare needs.
• Wish to record their care and treatment preferences.
• Are approaching the later stages of life.

How Does It Work?

The plan is developed through discussions between you and your healthcare team.

These conversations help identify:

• What is important to you.
• Your preferences for future care.
• Treatments you would or would not wish to receive.
• Recommendations that may support your wellbeing and quality of life.

Once completed, a ReSPECT form is provided for you to keep and make available to healthcare professionals if needed during an emergency.

What Does the Plan Cover?

The ReSPECT form may include:

• Information about your health and medical conditions.
• Emergency contact details.
• Personal care preferences.
• Recommendations about specific treatments.
• Guidance for healthcare professionals during emergencies.

The aim is to ensure care is coordinated and aligned with your wishes wherever possible.

Understanding CPR Decisions

The ReSPECT process includes conversations about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Healthcare professionals will discuss:

• The likelihood of CPR being successful.
• Potential benefits and risks.
• Your views and preferences.
• Whether CPR would be clinically appropriate.

Even when CPR is not recommended, other treatments and supportive care may still be appropriate and beneficial.

What Is ReSPECT Plus?

ReSPECT Plus is a secure electronic version of the ReSPECT form used across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

It allows authorised healthcare professionals to:

• Create and update records.
• Access the most up-to-date recommendations.
• Coordinate care across different services.
• Record additional information about care preferences, equipment, medication and support needs.

Can I Choose Not to Take Part?

Yes. Participation in ReSPECT discussions is voluntary.

If you do not wish to be involved, you can still make your wishes known by:

• Discussing preferences with family and carers.
• Appointing someone to make decisions on your behalf.
• Recording advance care planning information through other recognised methods.

You can also request that your information is not shared electronically through ReSPECT Plus.

Supporting Personalised Care

ReSPECT helps ensure that future healthcare decisions are based on what matters most to you.

By recording your wishes in advance, healthcare professionals can provide care that is personalised, appropriate and respectful of your preferences during emergency situations.