International perspectives on advance care planning. Issue 1 (1st June 2011) - Barwich, D
Abstract : Fraser Health Authority in British Columbia, Canada serves 1.5 million people, spanning over 12 communities with 26 000 employees and has been a provincial and national leader in advance care planning (ACP) for the past 7 years. Our goal is to continue to promote and enhance ACP across our health system by promoting conversations with patients and families and improving communication and documentation of decision making in all programs of Fraser Health. In June 2010, we embarked on the Talking it Thru: Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment initiative to further embed ACP practices into all programs with key clinicians and populations clearly identified. This presentation will assist learners to gain further understanding of the importance of systematic engagement in order to embed and sustain ACP in large healthcare organizations and to enhance standardized practices for quality patient-centred care at end of life. The End of Life program provides project leadership and supports programs as they assess current practices, identify gaps and opportunities and plan for implementation. Phase One of this 3 year project included engaging programs by identifying leadership, facilitating Focus Groups and helping program leadership plan for implementation. 16 Focus Groups were held with over 200 clinicians. Input from program areas such Aboriginal Health, Home Health, Primary Care and Medicine as well as discipline areas such as respiratory therapists, social workers and hospitalists have proven invaluable to help shape policy, develop tools and resources and to address educational needs.