Advance Care Planning: Empowering You in Singapore

Introduction

Advance care planning is a crucial aspect of healthcare that allows individuals to make informed decisions about their future medical treatment. In Singapore, the Advance Medical Directive Act (AMDA) provides a legal framework for individuals to express their wishes regarding end-of-life care. This article explores the significance, process, and benefits of advance care planning in Singapore.

Importance of Advance Care Planning

According to a survey by the National Healthcare Group, only about 20% of Singaporeans have completed an advance medical directive. However, advance care planning is essential for several reasons:

• Ensures Respect for Autonomy: It allows individuals to have their wishes respected even when they are unable to communicate them themselves.
• Reduces Burdens on Loved Ones: Advance care planning relieves the burden on family members and healthcare providers by providing clear guidelines for treatment preferences.
• Promotes Peace of Mind: Knowing that their wishes will be followed provides individuals and their loved ones with peace of mind.
• Improves Healthcare Communication: Advance care planning fosters open communication between individuals, their healthcare providers, and family members.

Advance Medical Directive (AMD)

The Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is a legal document that outlines an individual's wishes regarding end-of-life care. It consists of two main components:

1. Appointment of a Substitute Decision-Maker (SDM): This person will make decisions on behalf of the individual if they are unable to do so themselves.
2. Advance Instructions: These instructions specify the individual's preferences for specific medical treatments, such as resuscitation, ventilation, and pain management.

Process of Advance Care Planning

Advance care planning involves the following steps:

1. Discuss with Loved Ones: Engage in conversations with family members, friends, or a trusted healthcare professional about your values and preferences regarding healthcare.
2. Complete an AMD: Prepare and sign an AMD that expresses your wishes clearly.
3. Register Your AMD: Submit your AMD to the National Healthcare Group (NHG) Registry of Advance Medical Directives.
4. Inform Your Healthcare Team: Share your AMD with your doctor, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
5. Review and Update Regularly: Advance care plans should be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in your health or values.

Benefits of Advance Care Planning

Advance care planning offers numerous benefits, including:

• Improved Communication: Facilitates open communication between individuals, their healthcare providers, and family members.
• Reduced Stress: Relieves stress and anxiety for individuals and their loved ones.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Promotes a better quality of life by ensuring that individuals receive the care they desire.
• Increased Trust in Healthcare System: Fosters trust between individuals and the healthcare system by ensuring that their wishes are respected.

Table 1: Advance Care Planning Terms and Definitions

Table 2: Advance Care Planning Resources in Singapore

Table 3: Pros and Cons of Advance Care Planning

Conclusion

Advance care planning is a vital aspect of healthcare that empowers individuals to take control of their future medical treatment. In Singapore, the Advance Medical Directive Act provides a legal framework for advance care planning, ensuring that individuals' wishes are respected even when they are unable to communicate them themselves. By engaging in advance care planning, individuals can improve communication with their healthcare providers, reduce stress for their loved ones, and enhance their overall quality of life. As people live longer and face complex healthcare decisions, advance care planning has become increasingly important in Singapore and around the world.