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Advance Care Planning: Starting the Conversation
Overview
Overview
This module will provide an overview of advance care planning specific to strategies for initiating the conversation with patients about advance directives. Advance care planning is the process of communication between an individual, his or her family, and clinicians or other caregivers, to clarify treatment preferences, identify a surrogate and develop goals for care in serious illness and near the end of life.
Advance care planning aims to protect the wishes and goals of the individual so that when serious illness occurs, wishes are honored in concert with patient and family values and circumstances, as discussed or documented during the advance care planning process.
Rationale
Healthcare has advanced a great deal in the past 75 years. In just a few generations, we have seen the advent of antibiotics, antiseptic techniques for birth and surgery, the development of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and successful organ transplantation. An unforeseen consequence of more effective medical care and a resultant longer lifespan is the impact on how we die.
In the past, at the time of death, the family was present and death practices reflected the beliefs and culture of the community. Now, in present-day western societies, most deaths occur in a healthcare setting. Only 24 percent of Americans older than sixty-five die at home; 63 percent die in hospitals or nursing homes, sometimes tethered to machines, and often in pain (Volandes, 2016). The environment is often sterile, unfamiliar and family may or may not be present. In the most dramatic variation, the person dying is receiving intensive care and life support and often has been unresponsive or non-communicative for days or weeks in advance of their death. These settings offer little comfort to the families, as there is often no time for activities of closure such as last acts, blessings or goodbyes.
Research shows, not surprisingly, that families who experience the death of a loved one under such circumstances are more likely to experience complications or prolonged grief and regret.
Why are we now more than ever at risk for a death we would not choose: alone, institutionalized and perhaps in pain? The answer includes these interrelated things:
- Our medical care has advanced to such an extent that it is “easy” to prolong someone’s life
- The evolution of medical care has increased the complexity of end-of-life care decisions
- Many people never discuss their end-of-life care wishes, leaving others to guess what they would want
Like all of IHC CME live and virtual workshops, Advance Care Planning: Starting the Conversation provides an evidence-based and engaging educational experience for learners to learn and practice specific communication skills for immediate practice application.
Cost: $149.00 per person for 1 hr online module
- Accreditation Approved for CE
- Available To All Healthcare Professionals
Learning Objectives
- Identify at least two barriers to engaging in Advance Directive (AD) conversations with patients
- Practice statements and/or questions for opening up the AD conversation with a patient
- Apply at least one communication technique from the N-E-E-D model such as empathy to respond to patient/family emotions
- Identify resources to meet the Advance Directive needs of your patients
Methodology
Advance Directives: Starting the Conversation module is available in this one-hour CME and self-paced virtual format and can also be available in a 2 hour live virtual or in-person format, upon request. The latter version is fast-paced and interactive, with a strong focus on opportunities to practice skills and techniques in a safe and structured environment.
CME/CE Accreditation: The Institute for Healthcare Communication (IHC) takes responsibility for the content, quality and scientific integrity of this CME/CE activity. IHC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Institute for Healthcare Communication designates the IHC Patient-Centered Communication Series: Advanced Caring Planning – Starting the Conversation for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
2020 CME Credit for Physicians: This activity has been approved for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM
Tuition is $149.00 per person
These Modules are conducted in Partnership with Karen Zupko & Associates.