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

Dr. Kelvin Lou & Dr. David M. Williscroft

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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.


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