How to Have an Advance Care Planning Conversation – From Jessica Zan, VP of Clinical Implementationss & Success at MyDirectives
Have you ever been in a car accident you saw coming? Your awareness and subsequent tensing worsened the injury you likely experienced. So many of us go into advance care planning (ACP) conversations tensed up – anticipating the conversation to be difficult or unwanted. But ACP done right is a warm, guided process of communication and documentation to help a person choose the care they want when they can't communicate. Our tension impacts our communication and perceptions, which can lead to assuming the individuals we encounter don't want to participate. The first key to successful ACP conversations involves investigating our own fears, assumptions, and biases. The second involves taking pride and ownership of the privilege – and responsibility – we have to be present to that other person because of our education, role, passion, and compassion.
First, examine the stories you tell yourself about how another person will feel about ACP. Many times, I've heard "that patient doesn't want to talk about this," and then had a warm, engaged, sometimes even funny encounter with them. Are your assumptions based in an informed reality, or in your own concerns about politeness or even death? Then, exercise the mission and purpose of your role. You worked hard to get the position of helping people navigate their lives and health. This conversation is as normal to healthcare as reviewing blood pressure and medications – but the resulting documentation can fundamentally change how someone gets to live until they die. You are in a trusted position to help them comprehend the control ACP gives them over their healthcare, so they can make informed decisions to continue the conversation or decline it. The first steps to successful ACP conversations don't start with your voice, they start within your own heart and mind.
Want to learn more on how to have an ACP conversation with your patients? Join our specialized webinar with guest speaker Jesicca Zan from MyDirectives. Click the button below to register.