Translation and pilot-testing of the ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) form into Danish

Introduction In the UK, the Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT) process and form are used to support shared decision-making and advance care planning, but ReSPECT has not been used in other countries. The aim of this study was to translate the English ReSPECT form into Danish and to pilot-test the Danish form in several healthcare-settings. Method The ReSPECT form was translated into Danish using a forward and back translation process in line with standard international translation guidelines. The translated form was then pilot tested by patients, relatives and physicians in different health care settings. The participants subsequently completed a questionnaire about its usefulness. Results 36 patients participated in the conversations; 15 patients, 11 relatives and 13 physicians completed the questionnaire. Most patients and relatives found that the document contained the information they needed, and that it was useful during a conversation about future wishes for treatment and care. Nearly two-thirds of the physicians considered the ReSPECT form to be highly useful for the conversations; and one-third thought it useful for clarifying the patient’s healthcare status and recommending treatment. Half of the physicians identified missing or redundant information in the form. Conclusion The Danish ReSPECT form was considered beneficial for conducting conversations about future treatment and care and clarifying patients’ wishes in emergency situations. Further adjustments were identified to adapt the form to the Danish healthcare system. Translating and piloting the ReSPECT process into another languages is feasible and acceptable to patients and providers.