ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) was launched in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield last year. Here at CHFT, we began by using paper ReSPECT forms in June 2023.

We have since progressed this further, and introduced electronic ReSPECT forms within Cerner (Powerchart and Firstnet) in April this year. The feedback has been excellent, and the use of the electronic form has transformed how colleagues follow the process.

With this increased uptake of the electronic form, we no longer need the red border paper DNACPR forms. ReSPECT plans replace the previously used red border DNACPR forms, and patients do not need to have both.

Therefore, from Monday, 1st July, all paper DNACPR forms will be withdrawn and no longer available at CHFT. All blank paper DNACPR forms will be collected from the wards and disposed of appropriately.

This means:

• All new DNACPR decisions should be captured on ReSPECT forms instead of the red border paper DNACPR forms.
• For those patients who already have a pre-existing paper DNACPR form at the time of admission, the form will continue to be valid, and the CPR attempt flag on Cerner should be updated accordingly. 
• We will continue to have a small number of patients with previously completed, active paper DNACPR forms, and these will remain valid unless a new ReSPECT form is being completed.
• If a DNACPR decision has been revoked, a new ReSPECT form will be required, and the CPR decision should be completed on the ReSPECT form.  

If you have any queries please contact our ReSPECT Clinical lead, Stacey Wilkinson - Stacey.wilkinson2@cht.nhs.uk