#164 From Forms to Conversations: Embedding Digital Respect Across Systems with Sharan Harris-Christensen

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#164 From Forms to Conversations: Embedding Digital Respect Across Systems with Sharan Harris-Christensen

The ReSPECT process has been widely implemented. It stands for the Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment and, when used well, it provides a guide for clinicians to ensure people's wishes and values are respected in an emergency situation. 

Communication is at the heart of ReSPECT.  In my conversation with Sharan Harris-Christensen we explore what good communication means and how this is delivered.


Key messages

  • We start by discussing what the ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) process is and how it fits into Advance Care Planning

  • Sharan explains how Derbyshire has shifted from paper to digital Respect and how this improves cross‑system access

  • Sharan explains the central role of communication skills and education in making ReSPECT meaningful

  • We talk about Myths and misunderstandings about signatures and who needs to sign ReSPECT forms

  • We acknowledge the persistent confusion between Respect and DNACPR, and how Derbyshire tackles this

  • Sharan shares the importance of detailed, layered plans and “so what next?” thinking for emergencies

  • We discuss patient and public challenges: building confidence to ask for Respect conversations

Resource

Bio

Sharan Harris-Christensen (she / her) has worked within specialist palliative care for over 25 years, by background she is a registered nurse and academic, recognised for advancing communication skills education (ACST). As Manager of Education, Development Communication Skills at Treetops Hospice (Derby), she leads innovative learning programmes that strengthen communication, building professional confidence and promotes opportunities for honest, courageous conversations about the future.

Sharan leads the development of embedding RealTalk evidence base into clinical practice, which aims to strengthen clinical confidence, deepen professional connection, and transform conversations around care. RealTalk research is led by the programme PI, Dr Marco Pino (Loughborough University).

Sharan’s work is driven by a powerful belief: when we build trust, we transform care. She champions environments where clinicians feel supported to speak openly, reflect deeply, and guide individuals and families through the conversations that matter most. Her motivation is to enable and empower others to be more confident to step into safe conversations with clarity, and humanity to topics people often avoid.

Sharan is an ACST Facilitator, a RealTalk Facilitator and a No Barriers Here Facilitator.


Find out more about my Bespoke Consultancy

If you’d like to find out more about my work contact me.

 

What one thing will you do?

It would be great to share what resonated with you from this episode, what is the one thing you will do differently? Head to Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn to continue these important conversations.

Thanks to all my guests for working with me to share their knowledge, experience and stories about Advance Care Planning. I hope you enjoyed listening and have insights to take away; I love hearing your reflections on the series and look forward to reviews on Spotify where you can also subscribe to the series.

Clare

Important Conversations about Important Conversations.