For Patients
Your Life, Your Voice, Your Care
WHAT IS ADVANCE CARE PLANNING?
Managing life at any stage is complex. We understand that there are many concerns other than your physical health that influence how you want to approach living your life. Our experienced ACP Specialist
will work closely with you and your chosen representative as you discuss what matters most to you, your hopes and concerns, and what treatments might best align with your goals of care. Advance care planning is a person-centered, ongoing process of communication that facilitates individuals’ understanding, reflection and discussion of their goals, values and preferences for future healthcare decisions.
Why Is Advance Care Planning Important?
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Advance care planning is not a “one and done” exercise. Historically, the focus has been for individuals to create an Advance Directive that gives physicians direction when a patient is at end of life and cannot speak for themselves. Research has told us that simply having a document in the hospitals electronic medical record when one is near death has not produced the positive results hoped for. Instead, overwhelming research indicates that Advance Care Planning should be included throughout an individual’s healthcare journey regardless of health status. Advance care planning builds the foundation for a lifetime of conversations to ensure that as your life unfolds your preferences for healthcare are known. So, regardless of your health status or what events might give cause to you needing to make health decisions, you and your representative are prepared.
CORE ACTIVITIES
Benefits For Patients and Families
PEACE OF MIND
Individuals can be confident that their voice has been heard regarding goals of care, values, and treatment preferences.
EMPOWERED ADVOCATES
Patients' representatives are better prepared to make decisions on behalf of the individual if they are unable to speak for themselves.
INFORMED PHYSICIANS
Providers have a better understanding of who their patient is, and what they are trying to achieve, enabling better Shared Decision Making.
Reduce Family Burden
Your health care planning discussions and your written advance directives make your preferences clear to everyone, lifting the burden from your family members, doctors and hospital staff. These advance conversations help families avoid much of the distress and conflict that often accompanies serious medical situations. Everyone involved are able to focus their attention on supporting each other and their loved one experiencing the medical
challenge.