On June 22, 2009, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released Advance Directives and Advance Care Planning: Report to Congress. Compiled by experts in end-of-life care, including SWHPN Board Members Judy Peres and Gary Stein, the report summarizes findings from a multidimensional effort and reflects varied perspectives on advance directives and advance care planning, including those of individuals with disabilities and other nationwide stakeholders.
Advance care planning and the use of advance directives provide mechanisms for ensuring individual autonomy at the end of life. Three key findings of the study are:
- Effective advance care planning is an ongoing process best accomplished through continuing communication among individuals, clinicians and family members.
- Interventions for advance care planning can be carried out successfully; replication and implementation via health information technology hold promise for improving care toward the end of life.
- Advance care planning must shift from a focus on formal written advance directive forms to a developmental discussion process. Specific attention could be given to models such as the POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) program paradigm.
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