Empowerment and Compassion: Planning for the Future

CONVERSATIONS about Advanced Care Planning (ACP) occur on a daily basis in my line of work.  What concerns me is that many people choose to put it in the “too hard basket” or “it won’t happen to me” attitude.  Having an ACP in place allows individuals to take control of their healthcare decisions and ensuring their wishes are respected, even in the most vulnerable times.

I have spent time working in an emergency room, a common scenario where doctors and nurses nervously wait patiently in the highly illuminated trauma bay for the ambulance to arrive with a person requiring resuscitation.  

As the lifeless person arrives, the team jumps to action. A tube is placed to secure the patient's airway.  Chest compressions are occurring at a synchronous beat of 100 per minute in a desperate bid to reignite the heart's faltering beat. At the same time, hearing one rib at a time being cracked with each compression.

The liaison with the distressed and helpless family and describing the potential outcomes.  The words from the treating clinician of “Is there a resuscitation plan?”

This is just one example, of when an ACP allows individuals to articulate their preferences.  All individuals need to consider the need for ACP and each may have varying reasons.

For those struggling with chronic medical conditions, an ACP becomes a personalised roadmap, charting the course of their treatment journey.

Others who face terminal illness, the power of choice becomes even more poignant. ACP empower individuals to decide when to transition from life-prolonging measures to comfort care, enabling them to prioritise their quality of life over its quantity.

The benefits of having an ACP extend to families and loved ones. By explicitly outlining preferences, these plans mitigate potential conflicts among family members, freeing them from the anguish of making decisions amidst distress. An ACP is ultimately a gift of compassion, it’s an act that shields loved ones from the burden of uncertainty.

Do you have a plan? If not, please have a chat with your GP.  Please refer to Advance Care Planning Australia for more information https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/

Dr Nick Yim – GP Torquay Doctor