Treatment Escalation Plans - “TEPs”
PATIENT INFORMATION
WHAT IS A TEP?
A TEP stands for Treatment Escalation Plan. It provides the opportunity for patients,
doctors and nurses to come to an agreement on the outlines of your overall plan of
care. It gives guidelines on what treatments you would receive should your condition
get worse.
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE IN A TEP?
The TEP covers a wide range of treatments including: cardiac resuscitation; intensive
care therapy including lung ventilation, kidney dialysis, blood transfusions, antibiotic
therapy. For some patients it also gives guidance on whether treatment should only
occur outside of a hospital, meaning that hospital admission may not be the right
thing to do.
WHO FILLS IN A TEP?
A TEP gives the patient the opportunity to discuss with the clinical team the potential
treatments they would like / would not like to receive should they need them. During
the discussion, the patient is able to understand what these treatments involve and
air their views on these treatments. Ideally the patient and clinical team will fill the
form out together.
CAN I HAVE HELP WITH COMPLETING THE FORM?
Yes. A doctor and/or nurse will always be expected to discuss with you any questions
that you may have about the TEP form and its completion.
DO I HAVE TO FILL IN A TEP?
No, you do not have to complete a TEP form.
A TEP gives the patient, relatives and medical team a chance to prepare and plan
the patient’s future care in the event of a worsening of the patient’s medical condition.
It is therefore ideal if all patients could complete a TEP. If completing the TEP causes
any worries or anxiety to the patient they can request that the medical team fill it in on
behalf of the patient.
CAN I CHANGE MY MIND?
Yes, at any time. The TEP is only used as guidance to treatment, and can be altered
according to changes in the patient’s condition. Please let any member of the clinical
team know if you wish to discuss or make changes to your TEP.
MM v1 Mar 2012
WHO LOOKS AFTER THE TEP FORM? WHERE IS IT KEPT?
The TEP form is your document. Keep it somewhere where others know and it is
easy to find. Please use your discretion if you want it hidden from view.
If you have to go to hospital please take the TEP with you and show it to the clinical
staff dealing with you.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TEP?
Talk to your Doctor or Nurse, or visit our website www.devontep.co.uk.
This website is intended for use by healthcare professionals but feel free to have a
look.
MM v1 Mar 2012