slow code

 Q: In case of patient's imminent death a 'slow code' is an appropriate choice?

A) Yes

B) No

Answer: No

It is common in ICU when physicians are not in agreement with a family regarding the aggressiveness of care. In such situations, physicians sometimes run a half-hearted 'code' just to satisfy the family's emotional needs. There are various terms used such as slow code, show code, Hollywood code, symbolic code, or short code. 

THIS IS ETHICALLY WRONG AND DECEPTIVE. This should be discouraged. 

#ethics

References:

1. Lantos JD, Meadow WL. Should the "slow code" be resuscitated? Am J Bioeth 2011; 11:8. 

2. Frader J, Kodish E, Lantos JD. Ethics rounds. Symbolic resuscitation, medical futility, and parental rights. Pediatrics 2010; 126:769. 

3. Snyder L, American College of Physicians Ethics, Professionalism, and Human Rights Committee. American College of Physicians Ethics Manual: sixth edition. Ann Intern Med 2012; 156:73.