The topic of advanced care planning is one often overlooked, even in the medical profession. However, with the aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, it is a topic that should be discussed and explored. By introducing advance care planning in the doctor-patient relationship, one will establish trust and set oneself up for better outcomes in the future.
Start early
Provide information, education, and support to patients and their families while they’re healthy so they’ll have time to think about and make decisions about their wishes. Encourage older adults to talk with their adult children. When a patient has a terminal illness, it’s often too late for them to complete an advance directive or other critical legal documents. Be sure the patients know that it’s never too late to make their wishes known.
Introduce the topic
Someone needs to consider how the patient will react to the news that they are at risk of developing a condition like IAD and how they will feel if they progress to stages 1 or 2. Some patients may not be aware that they have any risk factors. Others may have had no symptoms and be shocked and upset by the news. They should be reassured help through that challenging time, and their condition monitored closely.
Finish up the document in the medical record
The advance directive describes a legal document that states one’s wishes regarding medical treatment decisions in the future. All states have some form of advance directive, usually called a living will or a health care power of attorney. A doctor has the legal right to know what treatment a patient wants to receive and if unable to make his wishes known.
Use directive when the patient doesn’t communicate.
It is often difficult for health care providers to discuss end-of-life issues with patients because there’s no surefire way to know when death will occur. But people should continue to have these discussions because they’re essential, even when the patient doesn’t think it will happen soon. If the conversation about advance directives is delayed, one may not get another chance.
The process of putting advanced care into practice can be complex. However, if an individual can interject this into a daily routine, it will become more natural and less daunting. It’s essential to empower oneself with knowledge about what the patients might need in the future and do your best to help them get there.