This infographic summarises key facts and highlights the difference between an Advance Care Plan and an Advance Care Directive. It was produced by Sydney North Health Network and is displayed here with their permission (September 2017).
Summary of the infographic
Advance Care Directive versus Advance Care Plan
When a patient can speak for themselves
When a Patient has capacity they can make an Advance Care Plan OR an Advance Care Directive.
When a patient can’t speak for themselves
An Advance Care Plan can be made by an Enduring Guardian, Substitute Decision maker or an appropriately identified Person Responsible, when a patient can’t speak for themselves.
Advance Care Directive (ACD)
Only completed by patient with capacity. Written ACDs: signed, preferably witnessed. Verbal ACDs: documented in medical notes*.
* NSW Health Guidelines for Advance Care Directives, 2016
Advance Care Plan (ACP)
Known intent – can be verbal or documented (only if no ACD is recorded).
When to make an Advance Care Plan
- Early in patient’s diagnosis (before crisis)
- Recurrent Hospitalisations
- Would you be surprised? (if this patient died in the next 12 months)
- Over 75 assessment
Enduring guardian versus power of attorney
Enduring power of attorney
is a legal agreement that enables a person to appoint a trusted person - or people - to make financial and/or property decisions on their behalf.
Enduring Guardian
is a legally appointed person who makes lifestyle, health and medical decisions for you when you are not capable of doing this for yourself. Your Enduring Guardian may make decisions such as where you live, what services are provided to you at home and what medical treatment you receive.
Where can my patient store their Advance Care Directive
- Give a copy to you GP
- Put a copy of your fridge
- Upload a copy to My Health Record
- Give a copy to your substitute decision maker
- Give a copy to your Enduring Guardian
Patients that might benefit from an Advance Care Directive
Patients living with or are:
- Dementia
- Neurodegenerative Disease
- Terminal
- Chronic Disease
- Aged
Download the Advanced Care Planning and Directives infographic [PDF | 1 page | 1.55mb]