Advance care planning is a process of discussing, determining and documenting a person’s preferences for their future care in the event they become unable to make and communicate decisions about their care.
Advance care planning is commonly associated with end-of-life care, however, it is also useful for patients with physical, or cognitive impairment or mental illness which could affect their capacity for decision making.
This page covers how to access 'advance care planning' and 'goals of care' documents in My Health Record’.
Members are encouraged to join the College Palliative Care Community of Practice (via ACRRM Connect).
Dr Tony Lembke discusses the mechanics of service delivery to the aged care facilities in his local area. (recorded 2019)
Online Learning
View ACRRM Online Learning education courses for Palliative Care developed by the College.
Position Statement
View The College's Position Statement on 'end of life care and advance care planning for rural and remote communities'.
What are advance care plans?
An advance care planning discussion will often result in the development of a formal advance care plan. An advance care plan documents the patient's specific preferences about health and personal care, including care and treatment they do or do not want to receive, and their goals of care.
Advance care plans should be made in partnership with the person, and then come into effect when the person cannot speak up for themselves. Policies, processes and legislation about advance care planning varies between states and territories.
The Advance Care Planning Australia website includes links to information and resources, specific to each state and territory, and for different populations.
While interest in advance care planning and goals of care discussions is increasing in Australia, significant challenges remain in documenting plans and in locating and accessing relevant documents at the point of care. These challenges are compounded by variation within and across jurisdictions in terminology, types of documentation and in the underpinning legislation.
Storing documents
Advance Care Planning Australia recommends uploading the advance care planning documents to the My Health Record system.
It's important that copies of the documents are shared with the patient's attorney, family, friends, carers and doctors. This will ensure everyone knows what the patient wants.
There is the option to print a wallet card to let others know that you have an advance care directive.