The ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) process helps you talk with your healthcare team about your care and treatment in the event of a future emergency.

Together, you develop a personalised plan that records:

• what matters most to you
• the types of treatment you would or would not want
• your wishes if you become too unwell to make or communicate decisions

You can find out more about ReSPECT for patients and carers here.

How the plan is created

The ReSPECT plan is based on shared conversations between:

• you
• your family or carers (if you wish)
• the health and care professionals involved in your care

These discussions help make sure your preferences are understood and that recommendations are realistic and appropriate for your health and circumstances.

Your ReSPECT form

Your form contains a brief summary of your health problems and agreed plan for care and treatment in an emergency situation.

Your form is important as it is used as a guide by doctors, nurses, paramedics and care providers looking after you when you are too unwell to discuss your wishes at that time. This helps the care team deliver the most appropriate care and treatment in accordance with your wishes. This includes any treatments you would or would not wish, including recommendations about CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

The ReSPECT form is not legally binding, but it provides clear guidance to healthcare professionals so they can deliver care that aligns with your wishes.

The recommendations on the form are for emergency situations only.

Reviewing and changing your plan

Your care needs and preferences may change over time.

If:

• something on your ReSPECT form does not feel right, or
• you would like to review or update your plan

you should speak to a member of your healthcare team. This may be:

• your GP
• a community nurse
• a hospital doctor
• a specialist nurse

Who ReSPECT can be helpful for

ReSPECT can be used by anyone, but it is especially helpful for people who:

• have long‑term or chronic health conditions
• have complex care needs
• may experience a rapid deterioration in their health

Some people also choose to record their preferences for other personal reasons.

How your plan is stored

In NHS Forth Valley, ReSPECT forms are stored electronically within a secure NHS Scotland national system. This allows authorised healthcare professionals, such as hospital teams and GPs, to access your plan when needed and helps ensure you receive the most appropriate care.

You can read more about how your information is used in our Privacy Policy.

It is recommend that you tell people spending substantial time with you e.g. family, friends and carers that you have a ReSPECT form. It is important they know that you are comfortable with the agreed recommendations and understand your wishes.