Krechowicz R, Gupta M, Gratton V, Hickey C, Thompson LH, Kyeremanteng K. (2021) ‘Case Discussions in Advanced Care Planning.’ American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.38(4):366-370. doi:10.1177/1049909120948495

Although this article is American the findings can also be relevant to medical practice in other countries across the world. Prior to my training I worked on a specialist frailty ward and advanced care planning (ACP) is something we discussed a lot. Therefore, I am interested to learn more about the importance of advanced care planning from the perspective of a registered nurse. This article states that ACP is beneficial for both the patient and those around them for a number of reasons. Firstly, it can make a family’s grief less complicated as wishes for end of life are known. It can also reduce the amount of time spent in hospital, for those with complicated/ multiple health conditions. From my own experience I have seen the importance of advanced care planning first hand, but this article made me see another perspective such as reduced hospital admissions, which gives it an increased importance. I will use what I have learnt from this article in my practice to facilitate ACP where possible.