Using the ReSPECT emergency care and treatment plan in a community hospital: a quality improvement initiative

Christine Penhale, Catherine Evans, Lisa O'Hara, Lorraine Arnold

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT) is a care plan to guide emergency treatment when the person cannot contribute. ReSPECT is important in supporting adults at risk of decline.

AIM: To implement, evaluate and embed ReSPECT conversations to improve patient safety out of hours and support involvement of patients and their families.

METHODS: A quality improvement design underpinned by normalisation process theory (NPT) undertaken in a 35-bed community hospital ward between May 2022 and September 2023. Organisational prioritisation, facilitators, and champions supported the plan. Evaluation analysed ReSPECT plans, observations and a follow-up focus group.

RESULTS: ReSPECT conversations increased by 43% over 1 year (23 to 32 patients), and in quality (from 15/23 patients with a do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation decision recorded and no ReSPECT plan to 32/35 with an individualised ReSPECT plan).

CONCLUSIONS: ReSPECT could be implemented in community hospitals with facilitators and champions to deliver and embed change. The implementation plan is informing wider rollout across community hospital wards for adults with frailty and multiple conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)994-1001
Number of pages8
JournalBritish journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
Volume33
Issue number20
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Nov 2024

Keywords

  • Humans
  • Quality Improvement
  • Hospitals, Community
  • Patient Care Planning/organization & administration
  • Focus Groups
  • Emergency Treatment/standards

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Using the ReSPECT emergency care and treatment plan in a community hospital: a quality improvement initiative'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this