For good outcomes, a plan is needed. We plan for our weddings. We plan for our careers, our investments and for our retirement. We also have wills, but do we plan for our health care after we cannot make our own decisions? Meier et al., (2016, p. 1) found that out of eleven themes identified in a literature review of what makes a “good death,” the specific dying process, which included advanced care planning was in important aspect. So, why would an advanced care plan be so crucial for a “good death?” The Better Health Channel (2024) states that there are two good reasons for having an Advance Care Directive, and includes making it easier for our families in being reassured regarding our wishes are being implemented and ensuring that our own wishes are being carried out. Some of these decisions include how, where and when we die or whether to resuscitate or not (Meier et al., 2016; O’Connor et al., 2012). Thus, the Advance Care Directive is also known as a living will and is a preparation for future healthcare when you cannot make them (NIH, 2022). Thus, Advanced Care Directives are about dying and being cared for the way we want, with dignity. Advanced Care Directives are for everyone, not just those with end-stage conditions. Anyone over the age of 18 can start the process of drafting an Advance Care Directive for their future health (Yang, 2024). Advance Care Directives are a means by which we can control what happens with our healthcare when we cannot make those decisions.
There are four important steps to the Advance Care Directive. Firstly, there is the need to discuss with your family what you do and do not want regarding future medical treatment and care. Secondly, you will need to write your wishes in the Advanced Care Document, which can be acquired from the Queensland Government website (2024a & c; Queensland Health, 2024a). Furthermore, within your Advanced Care document, you will need to appoint an Enduring Power Attorney (EPA) and record it on the EPA long (or short) form (Queensland Government, 2024b). The EPA will be the person who will make decisions for you when you cannot, and must be close to you, has a clear understanding of your wishes, be willing to be your strong advocate, be over 18 years of age, is willing to take on the role, is not your paid carer and is not a health practitioner responsible for your care (Victorian Department of Health, 2024). Both the ACD and the EPA will require a witness such as a justice of the peace (JP), a Commissioner of for declarations (Cdec), a lawyer or a notary public (2024b). Thirdly, once the document has been signed, the original must be kept in a safe place, the certified copy shared with your EPA and those responsible for your healthcare (Queensland Health, 2024b). The fourth step is to review the document if there are changes in your medical circumstances, your appointed EPA is no longer available, your living arrangements change or life changing circumstances arise (Queensland Government, 2024b).
References
Better Health Channel. (2024). Making plans and decisions for the end of your life. Victoria State Government Department of Health. Accessed December 04, 2024, from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/making-plans-and-decisions-for-the-end-of-your-life
Meier, E. A., Gallegos, J. V., Thomas, L. P. M., Depp, C. A., Irwin, S. A., & Jeste, D. V. (2016). Defining a Good Death (Successful Dying): Literature Review and a Call for Research and Public Dialogue. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 24(4), 261–271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2016.01.135
National Institutes of Health (NIH) (2022). Preparing a living will. Accessed October 11, 2024, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning/preparing-living-will
O’Connor, M., Lee, S., & Aranda, S. (2012). Palliative care nursing: a guide to practice (3rd edn.). Ausmed Publications Pty Ltd. North Melbourne.
Queensland Government. (2024a). ACP information pack for individuals. State of Queensland. Accessed December 04, 2024, from https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/506078/acp-info-pack.pdf
Queensland Government. (2024b). Advanced health directive. Accessed December 04, 2024, from https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/ckan-publications-attachments-prod/resources/56b091a2-4c65-48a0-99e1-01661c4d9e77/form-4-advance-health-directive-queensland.pdf?ETag=2d1d93c9b87bdc6db996ddb5107cdc71
Queensland Government. (2024c). Enduring power of attorney (long form). Accessed December 04, 2024, from Queensland Government. (2024b). Advanced health directive. Accessed December 04, 2024, from https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/ckan-publications-attachments-prod/resources/56b091a2-4c65-48a0-99e1-01661c4d9e77/form-4-advance-health-directive-queensland.pdf?ETag=2d1d93c9b87bdc6db996ddb5107cdc71
Queensland Health. (2024a). Advance care planning resources. Queensland Government. Accessed November 29, 2024, from https://www.qld.gov.au/health/support/my-care-my-choices/advance-care-planning-resources
Queensland health. (2024b). Steps to advance care planning. Accessed December 04, 2024, from https://www.qld.gov.au/health/support/end-of-life/advance-care-planning/steps
Victoria Department of Health (VDH). (2024). Advance care plans. Victoria State Government. Accessed October 15, 2024, from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/advance-care-plans
Yang, S. (2024). All you need to know about advance Care Directive. Homage. Accessed December 04, 2024, from https://www.homage.com.au/resources/advance-care-directive/
Please contact our Nurses on 07 5445 5794 or [email protected] if you have any questions.
All information provided by Bloomhill is mainly based on research from the Qld Cancer Council and best practice guidelines. Our model of care utilizes the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) domains of wellness along with available clinical evidence. Always consult your care team regarding matters that affect your health. This is a guide intended for information only.
