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Tough Conversations: Talking About Advanced Care Planning
A Breakdown on Advanced Care Planning
What is Advanced Care Planning?
- The process of clarifying your values and health care choices for use at a future time if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself.
I know nobody wants to talk about what happens if something happens to you or you cannot speak for yourself but no matter what your age is or how “healthy” you are it is very important. Life can happen at any second and you could get in a serious car accident, have a stroke, or get sick to the point of a coma. If this happens, we want to make sure that we as your healthcare team are doing everything that YOU would want. Do you want to have a tube placed to help you breath? Do you want to be placed on IV medications? Do you want hospice care? These questions are not easy nor are they black and white but having these conversations with your healthcare team and family actually make it easier if these things end up happening.
Why do we care about Advanced Care Planning?
- 90% of people say that talking with their loved ones about end-of-life care is important BUT only 27% of people actually do so
- 60% of people say that making sure their family is not burdened by tough decisions is extremely important to them
- 80% of people say that if seriously ill, they would want to talk to their healthcare provider about wishes for medication or treatment BUT only 7% report actually having these conversations
- Research shows that by having these conversation there is improved quality, improved safety, more positive patient and family experience, and better patient satisfaction in tough times
- A quick video to show what I’m talking about (and make it a little funny too: Who Will Speak for You?
How do I start?
- Think about your goals, values, morals in regard to healthcare and end of life
- Discuss your thoughts with your friends, family, and healthcare providers
- Fill out advanced care planning documents (POLST, Advanced Directive)
- Can ask your healthcare provider for these or even have them go through it with you
- Review plans regularly with your healthcare team and family
- Reduce anxiety about funeral or burial arrangements by planning ahead
Make an appointment with your Primary Care Provider to discuss Advanced Care Planning:
- If you are having difficulties understanding what decisions you might have to make then TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.
- If you want to know how your current health affects some of your decisions then TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.
- If you want someone to “start” the conversation with you and your family then TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.
Posted by:
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Paige Freeman