Advanced Care Planning for Healthcare Providers

As healthcare providers, we often see the fallout when advanced care planning hasn’t happened: rushed decisions, ethical dilemmas, and emotional distress for families. Our role isn’t just to treat—it’s to guide patients through these important conversations. One way to start these conversations is to ask patients, what they know about their diagnoses and what questions they may have about prognosis. Starting conversations, this way puts "the ball in their court" and allows time to process.

When to Initiate

• Annual wellness visits: Particularly with patients 50+ or with chronic conditions.

• After diagnosis of serious illness: Cancer, advanced heart or lung disease, neurodegenerative conditions.

• Hospital discharge after major events: Stroke, heart attack, ICU stay.

• Before high-risk procedures: Surgery, chemotherapy, dialysis.

  
  

Why Early Matters

• Patient-centered care: Aligns treatment with patient values.

• Reduced burden on families: Clear decisions mean less conflict later.

• Better outcomes: Studies show early planning improves quality of life.

  
  

Best Practices for advance care planning for healthcare providers

1. Normalize the conversation: Present it as standard, not crisis driven.

2. Use clear, compassionate language: Avoid medical jargon.

3. Document thoroughly: Ensure care teams have access to the patient’s wishes.

   
   

Early advanced care planning is not an optional extra—it’s a core component of quality care.