Advance Care Planning

Abstract

Advance care planning (ACP) is a process that supports individuals at any stage of health in understanding and sharing their personal values, life goals, and preferences regarding future medical care. The goal is to help ensure that people receive medical care that is consistent with their beliefs during serious and chronic illness. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are in a unique position to initiate, facilitate, and support patients and their families with the advance care planning process. They also ensure that these preferences are documented in accessible formats. This chapter discusses such topics as healthcare decision-making, advance directives, living wills, durable powers of attorney, and surrogate decision-making, as well as the important role the APRN plays in this process.