Advance Care Planning is the process a capable adult follows to identify their goals, values, and beliefs related to their health and care. A person may consider:
What matters most to me?
What brings me joy and quality of life?
What abilities are so critical to my life that I can't imagine living without them?
Who would make decisions for me in the event that I was not capable of doing so?
Start the Conversation
Once you have thought about how your values, beliefs and wishes would guide your decisions in the event of a health crisis, the first step is to speak with those close to you and your health care providers to make sure they know and understand your wishes and are willing to honour them. Letting your family and friends know about the care you do and do not want in the future will decrease their anxiety and help them if they need to make decisions on your behalf.
Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner
It is important for you to discuss your questions and wishes with your primary care provider to make sure your planning is based on accurate medical information. Discuss your thoughts and questions with your doctor or nurse practitioner.
Following this conversation, your doctor or nurse practitioner may complete a Medical Order for Scope of Treatment (MOST) to guide other members of your health care team in a medical emergency.
Make your plan
Once you've thought about it and talked it over, it's time to make your plan. Here are some tools to help you with advance care planning.
Please note the materials associated with Island Health Advance Care Planning Programhas been developed for use within Island Health.
If you live elsewhere in British Columbia, please consult your local health authority.
If you live in other provinces in Canada or in the United States, please consult your local legal information agencies or government website as the Island Health Advance Directive will not be consistent with laws governing the use of these documents.
Healthcare professionals provide care in many settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools and people’s homes, but for those individuals who don’t have a fixed address and require care, some community health services staff go to them.