Advance Care Planning

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ACP: Fundamentals - Plan Ahead Peace

  • Advance Care Planning (ACP): Process of discussion & documentation of future healthcare wishes.
  • Primary Goals: 📌 V.O.I.C.E. (Values, Options, Information, Conversation, End-of-life).
    • Uphold patient autonomy.
    • Enhance quality of life at End-of-Life (EOL).
    • ↓ Decisional burden on family.
  • Distinction: ACP is NOT euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide.
  • Importance: Crucial in palliative care, chronic illnesses; beneficial for ALL adults.
  • WHO & ACP: Aligns with palliative care's aim to improve quality of life for patients/families facing life-threatening illness, through prevention and relief of suffering.

⭐ ACP is a process, not a one-time event, and should be revisited periodically.

ACP: Documents - Will Power Papers

  • Advance Medical Directives (AMDs) / Living Will:
    • Written statement of desires for future medical treatment if unable to communicate.
    • Covers preferences for life-sustaining treatments (e.g., ventilation, feeding tubes).
    • Legally recognized in India (Common Cause judgment, 2018).
  • Healthcare Proxy (Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare):
    • Appoints a trusted person (agent) to make healthcare decisions if patient loses capacity.
    • Agent acts based on patient's known wishes/values.
  • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) / Allow Natural Death (AND) Orders:
    • Medical order to withhold CPR if breathing/heart stops.
    • Based on patient's directive or surrogate's decision.
  • POLST/MOLST (Physician/Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment):
    • Medical orders for current treatment preferences in serious illness; concept relevant though not formally adopted in India.
    • Translates wishes into actionable medical orders.

⭐ The Common Cause judgment (2018) legalized passive euthanasia and recognized the validity of Advance Medical Directives in India.

ACP: The Conversation - Heartfelt Health Talks

  • ACP Steps (📌 I.D.E.A.R.):

    • Initiate: Start early, normalize the conversation.
    • Discuss: Explore patient values, goals, and preferences.
    • Educate: Explain potential future scenarios and treatment options.
    • Assist: Aid in decision-making and appointing a surrogate.
    • Record: Document choices clearly (e.g., advance directive).
    • Review: Revisit and update plans periodically or with health changes.
  • Communication Skills: Employ SPIKES/VALUE frameworks.

    • Empathy, active listening, asking open-ended questions.
  • Key Roles:

    • Patient: Central decision-maker.
    • Family: Support, potential surrogate.
    • Physician: Facilitator, information provider.
    • Multidisciplinary Team: Holistic support.
  • Barriers & Strategies:

    • Reluctance (patient/family): Gentle, ongoing dialogue.
    • Physician discomfort: Training, communication skills.
    • Time constraints: Dedicated appointments.
    • Cultural factors: Culturally sensitive approach.
  • Documentation: Must be clear, accessible, and regularly updated.

⭐ Effective ACP conversations focus on the patient's values and goals, not just specific treatments.

ACP: Legal/Ethical India - Dharma & Directives

  • Legal Framework:
    • Common Cause v. UoI (2018): Legalized passive euthanasia & Advance Medical Directives (AMDs).
      • AMD: By adult, sound mind, voluntary, informed.
      • Execution: Validated by Primary & Secondary Medical Boards.
    • Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Allows Advance Directives for mental illness.
  • Ethical Pillars (EOL Care):
    • Autonomy: Patient self-determination.
    • Beneficence: Act in patient's best interest.
    • Non-maleficence: Avoid harm.
    • Justice: Fair, equitable care.
  • Capacity: Crucial for ACP; assess understanding, appreciation, reasoning, communication.
  • Cultural/Religious: Family role, diverse views, "Dharma" impact EOL choices.

⭐ An Advance Medical Directive in India requires two attesting witnesses and countersignature by a JMFC (Judicial Magistrate First Class) as per the original Common Cause guidelines, though subsequent modifications exist.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Advance Care Planning (ACP): A process for future medical care preferences, not a single event.
  • Includes Living Will (Advance Medical Directive) & Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPOA).
  • Legally recognized in India (Common Cause vs. UoI, 2018) for passive euthanasia via Living Will.
  • Upholds patient autonomy, dignity, informed consent in end-of-life care (EOLC).
  • Crucial for life-limiting illnesses or terminal conditions.
  • Reduces family decisional conflict & aligns care with patient's values.
  • Requires voluntary, informed documentation, without coercion.

Practice Questions: Advance Care Planning

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Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding health planning?

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Flashcards: Advance Care Planning

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