Provider advance care planning

Tips and tools for working with patients

Most people see the value in planning for end-of-life care. In fact, eight out of 10 people say that, if they were seriously ill, they’d want to talk with their doctor about their wishes for end-of-life medical care. But only 18% report having this conversation.¹

We know providers have a unique role in advance care planning. Discussing their end-of-life wishes can make some people uneasy. But you can help by sharing why it matters and inviting your patients to talk with you.

We’re here to support your efforts. Consider these questions when talking with your patients:

• How would you want to spend the last month of your life?
• What represents a good quality of life to you?
• What concerns you most about death or dying?
• Some people want everything possible done to delay death. Others don't want dying to be prolonged. Where do you draw the line?
• Who should make these decisions for you if you can't make these decisions yourself?²
• Have you documented your wishes in an advance directive?

Our social workers are here to make these hard conversations a little easier. We can also help with more complex advanced care directives. Providers and patients can leave referrals at 1-608-828-1915.

Sources

¹ Survey of Californians by the California Health Care Foundation 2012 and Kaiser Family Foundation Serious Illness in Late Life Survey 2017.
² The Coalition for Compassionate Care of California 2011.