National Advance Care Planning Week (20 to 26 March) highlights the importance of creating an advance care plan and the benefits of using My Health Record for recording advance care plans.
An advance care plan is a document which outlines a person’s values, beliefs and preferred treatments in case of an emergency or if they are unable to make decisions for themselves.
Why create an advance care plan?
It allows patients to take control of their healthcare decisions and ensure their wishes are respected, even in emergency situations. Identifying patients who would benefit from an advance care plan can include:
- Age: Patients who are older or have a chronic medical condition may benefit from an advance care plan.
- Health status: Patients who have a serious medical condition, are facing end-of-life issues, or have a life-limiting illness may benefit from an advance care plan.
- Family history: Patients with a family history of serious medical conditions or a history of unexpected events may benefit from an advance care plan.
- Medical history: Patients with a history of hospitalisation, multiple medical treatments or multiple chronic medical conditions may benefit from an advance care plan.
- Personal values and beliefs: Patients who have strong religious or cultural beliefs or who have a personal preference for certain medical treatments may benefit from an advance care plan.
Advantages of having an advance care plan in My Health Record
- Respect for autonomy: Allows individuals to take control of their healthcare decisions, even if they are unable to speak for themselves.
- Improved medical care: Clear understanding of a patient’s values, beliefs and preferred treatments leads to care which is consistent with the patient’s wishes.
- Reduced stress for loved ones: Aids in alleviating stress for family members who may have to make tough decisions without knowing the patient’s wishes.
- Better outcomes: When a patient’s advance care plan is followed, they are more likely to receive the care they want, leading to better outcomes and a higher quality of life.
Access to an up-to-date advance care plan can improve patient care, ensure better coordination of care between providers and increase accessibility to essential information in emergency situations.
To record an advance care plan in My Health Record, medical practitioners need to:
- Obtain patient consent
- Create a document which outlines the patient’s wishes
- Share the document with authorised healthcare providers
- Regularly review and update the document to ensure it reflects the patient’s current wishes
It is important to discuss advance care planning with all patients to empower patients to take control of their healthcare decisions, and ensure their wishes are respected, especially in emergency situations or if they are unable to speak for themselves.
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