Here's Why You Should Advise Your Clients About Advanced Care Planning
When you interact with your clients, have they voiced any of these concerns to you?
If your answer is yes, you might want to consider recommending that they make an Advance Care Plan.
What is Advance Care Planning?
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of planning for one’s future health and personal care. It helps individuals communicate to important people about their healthcare preferences. So in the event that the individual is no longer able to make decisions, the ACP guides the decision makers to act in their best interest.
Why is ACP important?
- It allows patients to receive healthcare that is tailored to their values and preferences.
- Families experience less anxiety, less stress, and are clearer about what decisions to make.
- The healthcare team is better informed to act in the patient’s best interest.
When should your client start ACP?
ACP is an important part of routine healthcare. Anyone can start their ACP today regardless of their age or health condition.
ACP is particularly important for people who have a chronic illness, an early cognitive impairment, frail, or are approaching end-of-life.
What does ACP include?
Through a guided discussion with a trained ACP facilitator and medical team, your patient will explore:
- Living Matters: their values and quality of life.
- Medical Matters: their treatment goals.
- Nominated Healthcare Spokesperson: a family member or close friend who will help to convey their care preferences to the medical team, should they no longer able to do so.
If you would like more information, training, or discussion materials to support your clients in ACP, please contact the Advance Care Planning National Office at acp@aic.sg.
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