Advanced Care Planning

Advanced care planning (ACP) is the process of making decisions about the medical care a person would want to receive if they become unable to make their own decisions due to illness or injury. ACP involves discussing and documenting an individual's preferences for their medical care and treatment options in advance, so that their wishes can be respected in the event of incapacity.

ACP typically involves conversations with healthcare providers, family members, and loved ones to identify an individual's values, goals, and preferences for medical care. This can include decisions about life-sustaining treatments such as mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition and hydration, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Other considerations may include palliative care or hospice care, which focus on relieving pain and managing symptoms.

The goals of ACP include ensuring that an individual's wishes are respected and honored, reducing stress and uncertainty for both the individual and their loved ones, and avoiding unnecessary interventions or treatments that may not align with the individual's values and goals. ACP can also provide peace of mind for individuals and their families, knowing that their wishes for medical care have been documented and communicated.

It is important to note that ACP is a process that can evolve over time, and individuals may revise their preferences as their health status or circumstances change. It is recommended that individuals review their ACP regularly and update it as needed to ensure that their wishes are accurately reflected.