CPR: STAT! OR STOP! THE END-OF-LIFE CARE ELECTRONIC RECORD (ELCER). Issue 2 (1st June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Varndell, W; Mackenzie, J; Sands, M B
• Is Part Of: BMJ supportive & palliative care. Volume 3:Issue 2(2013)
• Page Start: 232
• Page End: 232
• Publication Date: 2013-06-01
• Subjects: Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2013-000491.20
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-435X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Advance Care Planning is about much more than CPR and the aspiration to support care planning and symptom management to improve care at the end-of-life; empowering and supporting patients in deciding upon what care they wish to receive at the end-of-life, is not controversial. The legal and ethical imperative to abstain from needlessly causing harm and distress from medical intervention is also well established. The real-time availability of an Advance Care Plan in which clinicians and administrators can rightly place their confidence has been more elusive. Aim: To review the evidence supporting the use of a universal electronic health record such as eHealth (National Electronic Health Transition Authority) for the documentation and communication of ACPs. Methods: A systematic review of the evidence to support the use of electronic health records in ACP will be presented. Results: Evidence-based and generalisable approach to documentation and communication of ACP will be presented. Discussion: Barriers, risks and benefits will be discussed. Conclusion: Advance Care Planning is vital to medically defensible, rational, compassionate and patient centred care at the end of life. The Australian eHealth platform provides an opportunity to achieve this across primary, secondary, rural, regional and metropolitan healthcare settings.