Safety recommendation
HSIB recommends that the Resuscitation Council UK clarifies and promotes expectations around the sharing, presentation, and language of cardiopulmonary resuscitation recommendations in hospital ward environments in line with the findings of this investigation.
Response:
Resuscitation Council UK strongly supports the adoption and implementation of the ReSPECT process, which provides a safe process for the discussion and sharing of information about care and treatment in an emergency. When used well, with the participation of the person, those close to them and all members of the health and care team, the process enables the fulfilment of the findings in the report.
Conversations are carried out at an early stage and what is important to a person is captured on a ReSPECT plan. This enables the information to be shared across professions, sectors and geographical regions. The plan belongs to the person, who shares the information with those close to them, if they want to do so, but the information contained should be readily available to anyone involved in their care, using electronic and paper options. In this way, everyone is clear what should happen if an emergency occurs and the person cannot speak for themselves.
RCUK is constantly working with stakeholders to improve the process and communication and learns from the experiences of everyone using it. We are particularly aware of the paper and digital challenges with different systems across the UK, and also the challenges between the different health and care sectors. Working with our stakeholders, we highlight and promote the benefits ReSPECT brings when done well and will be developing further educational tools for use by areas using the process to encourage best practice.
RCUK is grateful that the report recognises the benefits of the ReSPECT process.
Action planned to deliver safety recommendation: Continual review and revision of materials.
Resources in place: Expert advisors, including clinical and lay personnel. Website teaching resources.
Response received on 18 April 2023.