Advance Care Planning

 

Advance care planning is when a patient makes a plan for their future healthcare, in consultation with their doctor or another healthcare professional. It allows the patient to ‘have a say’ should they find themselves subsequently in circumstances where their health has declined and they are unable to participate in discussions about their care.

There are certain circumstances which should trigger a medical practitioner to initiate a conversation with a patient about advance care planning. For example, if a patient is diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, or is admitted to hospital with a chronic condition, or (of particular importance) where a patient has early cognitive impairment.

Advance care plans are usually documented, for example by way of an enduring power of attorney (EPA), and/or by writing out their decisions and preferences for future healthcare in a signed statement, known as an advance directive.

Updated 14 March 2024.