Slow code: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 14:53, 11 October 2018

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{{About|the medical practice|the programming term|algorithmic efficiency}}

'''Slow code''' refers to the practice in a [[hospital]] or other medical centre to purposely respond slowly or incompletely to a patient in [[cardiac arrest]], particularly in situations wherefor which [[cardiopulmonary resuscitation]] (CPR) is of no medical benefit.{{sfn|New York Times|1987}} The related term '''show code''' refers to the practice of a medical response that is medically futile, but is attempted for the benefit of the patient's family and loved ones. However, the terms are often used interchangeably.{{sfn|New York Times|1987}}

The practices are banned in some jurisdictions.

==Background==

During a patient cardiac arrest in a hospital or other medical facility, staff may be notified via a [[Hospital emergency codes#Code Blue|code blue alert]].{{sfn|Marks|2006}} A medical response team, based on the institution's practices and policies, attends to the [[emergency]].{{sfn|NBC News|2008}} The team will perform [[CPR]] in order to re-establish both cardiac and pulmonary function.{{sfn|Braddock|1998|loc=When should CPR be administered?}}

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be withheld in some circumstances. One is if the patient has a [[do not resuscitate]] ("no code") order,{{sfn|Braddock|1998|loc=When can CPR be withheld?}} such as in a [[Advance health care directive|living will]].{{sfn|Braddock|1998|loc=What if the patient is unable to say what his/her wishes are?}} Another is if the patient, family member, individual with [[power of attorney]] privileges over the patient, or other surrogate decision maker for the patient, makes such a request of the medical staff.{{sfn|College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario|2006}} Surrogate decision makers are considered in a hierarchy: legal guardians with health care authority, individual with power of attorney for health decisions, spouse, adult children, parents, and adult siblings.{{sfn|Braddock|1998|loc=What if the patient is unable to say what his/her wishes are?}}