RESPECT is a suite of risk-communication tools powered by a prediction model. Available tools include the Web Calculator, a public-facing tool, and a Planning Tool for long-term care homes. RESPECT is designed to support the earlier identification of palliative care needs.

RESPECT is a suite of algorithms and products which aim to inform conversations and care planning for an individual's current and future health care needs, and improve resource planning within a health care organization.

RESPECT was developed by Ontario-based researchers and scientists at the Bruyère Health Research Institute and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

Yes. RESPECT has undergone extensive research and evaluation in both academic and real-world care settings. For individuals living in the community, the tool was developed and validated using health data from over 574,000 individuals in Ontario. For individuals living in long-term care, the tool was developed and validated using health data from over 246,000 long-term care residents in Ontario — making it the most accurate mortality risk prediction tool available for older adults in long-term care in Canada. RESPECT has also been successfully implemented in multiple long-term care homes across Ontario and Alberta as part of proof-of-concept studies. These evaluations showed that RESPECT can be integrated into routine care workflows, is acceptable to staff and residents, and supports earlier identification of palliative care needs. Ongoing research continues to assess its effectiveness, user experience, and impact on care planning and communication.

First, RESPECT was built using data from the population it is idented to serve, including community-dwelling older adults and long-term care residents. Therefore, RESPECT provides realistic survival estimates for individuals; outperforming similar tools commonly used in the community and long-term care settings. Second, RESPECT produces output (i.e. reports) that is digestible and actionable for all users, whether you are an older adult or physician. Therefore, individuals and their health care team, can have meaningful conversations about the individual's current and future care needs as they have the same information.

RESPECT has been validated using data from over 246,000 LTC residents and 570,000 community dwelling older adults and is the best-performing mortality risk algorithm to date.

The RESPECT tool provides estimated timeframes for survival (e.g., months or years), which are more actionable and understandable than precise probabilities. These estimates are meant to guide care conversations, not predict outcomes for an individual with certainty.

Predictors include factors such as: - Age and sex - Diagnosed conditions (e.g., dementia, heart failure) - Functional status (e.g., ability to eat, bathe, walk) - Cognitive performance - Symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath) - Recent healthcare use (e.g., hospitalizations) These variables are combined using a validated algorithm to provide a personalized estimate of survival, helping care teams identify residents who may benefit from a palliative approach earlier.

No. RESPECT is a support tool designed to complement clinical judgement and encourage proactive conversations about care preferences.

The RESPECT tool provides estimated timeframes for survival (e.g., months or years), which are more actionable and understandable than precise probabilities. These estimates are meant to guide care conversations, not predict outcomes for an individual with certainty.

No. RESPECT supports shared decision-making. The final care decisions always involve the individual/resident, family, and healthcare providers.

RESPECT uses health information completed by the user (web calculator) or already collected in long-term care (RAI-MDS) (Data Analyzer) to estimate an individuals life expectancy in days, months, or years, presenting best- and worst-case scenarios to guide care conversations.