The University of British Columbia
UBC - A Place of Mind
The University of British Columbia
Faculty of MedicineThis Changed My Practice (TCMP) by UBC CPD
  • ⌂ Articles
  • Authors
  • Submit an Article
  • Subscribe
  • Key Features | 0.25 cr/article
  • About
  • UBC CPD ↗

» This Changed My Practice » Dr. Kelvin Lou & Dr. David M. Williscroft

Dr. Kelvin Lou & Dr. David M. Williscroft

See Dr. David Williscroft's Profile

Physician-Patients

Matters of the HEEART: How to discuss code status when stakes are high in acute care

By Dr. Kelvin Lou & Dr. David M. Williscroft on June 25, 2025

Discussing code status is a critical part of the larger goals of care discussion, but code status discussions often happen in emotional and high-stake situations. Directly addressing the high levels of emotion in these situations can greatly enhance communication and decision making. The focus of this approach is on building a personal connection and fostering trust at each step. To address the time limitations in acute care, we have streamlined multiple communication tools into the acronym HEEART, and provided tips on word choice and helpful practices.


Recent Articles

  • New BC Guideline on concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)
  • Somatic symptom disorders and functional neurological disorders
  • Hematology tips for primary care: Hemoglobin abnormalities
  • Matters of the HEEART: How to discuss code status when stakes are high in acute care
  • Diagnosis of anxiety conditions in primary care: Part 1
  • Environmental impacts of clinical practice: reducing unnecessary care

Recent Comments

  • Andrew Howard on New BC Guideline on concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)
  • Shawn on Help, “hive” got a rash! – Article 2: Practical tips in the management of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU)
  • Beth Wood on Somatic symptom disorders and functional neurological disorders
  • Nandini on Somatic symptom disorders and functional neurological disorders
  • Beth Lamb on Somatic symptom disorders and functional neurological disorders
  • Lindsay Waterman on Somatic symptom disorders and functional neurological disorders

Visit UBC CPD at ubccpd.ca

UBC CPD website

View all CPD learning activities: virtual, in-person and hybrid conferences, workshops, webinars, online modules, customized community courses, simulation hands-on courses, coaching, mentoring, personalized learning, recordings, and more.

Visit UBC CPD ↗

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Disclaimer
This Changed My Practice (TCMP) by UBC CPD | Continuing Professional Development
Faculty of Medicine
City Square, 200-555 W 12th Ave
Vancouver, BC Canada V5Z 3X7
Tel 604 675 3777
Fax 604 675 3778
Website ubccpd.ca
Email tcmp.cpd@ubc.ca
Find us on
    
Back to top
The University of British Columbia
  • Emergency Procedures |
  • Terms of Use |
  • Copyright |
  • Accessibility