A National Framework for Advance Care Directives describes advance care planning as “the process of planning for future health and personal care whereby the person’s values, beliefs and preferences guide decision-making at a future time when that person cannot make or communicate his or her decisions.” (p9).

Reference to the national framework is recommended.

Considerations relevant to advance care planning include:

• Understanding prognosis and the usual course of the disease
• Providing information about the risks and benefits of various medical treatments
• Assisting the patient to share information about their personal goals and wishes with loved ones and health professionals
• Informing the patient about provisions to appoint substitute decision-makers
• The Medical Treatment Act and Refusal of Treatment
• Genetic counselling may be appropriate in some situations.

Further information

For further information and resources, look under “advanced care planning” on our list of  website links or visit this section in our online resource library.