Abstract
Slow code is one of the terms used to refer to pretended resuscitation, a phenomenon that is given little attention in Czech literature. In foreign literature we can meet not only the term slow code, but also the show code, symbolic resuscitation or Hollywood code.
This is a situation where resuscitation is conducted intentionally so that it is not successful. The aim of the paper is to define the phenomenon based on the study of the available literature and to consider not only the ethical aspects but also the possible practical effects of this phenomenon.
Hawryluck et al. (2016) define the slow code as a resuscitation performed so as not to be effective. Resuscitation efforts are deliberately conducted too slowly or not long enough.
However, Janvier and Barrington (2011) argue that the length of resuscitation is nowhere determined, and that short resuscitation may still be performed as recommended, but failure to comply with the protocol and deliberately inefficient resuscitation is the cause of sarcasm and cynicism. Most authors agree that slow code practices interfere with the moral and clinical integrity of healthcare professionals.
Proper resuscitation is also important in terms of teamwork and hence the effectiveness of other resuscitation. Pretended resuscitation interferes with the moral integrity of health professionals, and may also have implications for clinical practice in terms of affecting the effectiveness of other resuscitation.