This course explains how decisions about cardiopulmonary resuscitation are made, discussed and recorded in the UK, and how the ReSPECT process places those decisions within a wider plan for emergency care. It uses worked conversations and case studies to help you talk about resuscitation honestly and lawfully with patients and families.
What you will learn
- Explain what CPR involves, its likely outcomes in different groups of patients, and why a decision about CPR is part of good care planning.
- Describe the legal and professional framework for CPR decisions, including the duty to consult, capacity and best interests.
- Use the ReSPECT process to have a structured conversation about a person's priorities and agreed emergency care recommendations.
- Record a CPR decision or ReSPECT form accurately and identify the common errors that make a form invalid or misleading.
- Respond appropriately when a patient or family disagrees with a decision, and know when to seek a second opinion.
Course content
- What CPR is, and why decisions matter (2 min)
- The legal and professional framework (4 min)
- The ReSPECT process (3 min)
- Having the conversation: a step-by-step approach (4 min)
- Recording and communicating the decision (3 min)
- Disagreement, review and special situations (3 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- BMA, Resuscitation Council UK and RCN: Decisions relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (joint guidance)
- Resuscitation Council UK: ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment)
- GMC: Treatment and care towards the end of life: good practice in decision making
- GMC: Decision making and consent (2020) and Good Medical Practice (2024)
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018)
- Mental Capacity Act 2005 (England and Wales) and its Code of Practice, with equivalent legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.