Advance Care Planning Singapore: Your Guide to 5 Crucial Steps

Introduction

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is an essential aspect of healthcare that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their future medical care. In Singapore, ACP is becoming increasingly important as the population ages and medical treatments become more complex. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ACP, highlighting its importance and benefits.

Why Advance Care Planning Matters

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), only 20% of Singaporeans have documented their ACP preferences. This lack of planning can lead to confusion and distress for both patients and their loved ones during times of medical crisis.

ACP offers several significant advantages:

• Increased control: Allows you to express your preferences for medical treatment, ensuring that your wishes are respected even if you are unable to communicate your decisions.
• Improved communication: Facilitates discussions with family and healthcare professionals about your values and end-of-life care preferences.
• Reduced burden on loved ones: Relieves the stress and uncertainty for family members who may otherwise have to make difficult decisions on your behalf.
• Improved quality of life: Ensures that your medical care aligns with your values and goals, enhancing your overall well-being.

5-Step Advance Care Planning Process

Step 1: Start the Conversation

• Discuss your values, preferences, and concerns with your loved ones, healthcare providers, and social workers.
• Share your experiences and thoughts about end-of-life care, including treatments you may or may not want to receive.

Step 2: Document Your Preferences

• Use the Advance Care Plan (ACP) form provided by the MOH or other healthcare organizations.
• Clearly state your preferences for different medical scenarios, including:
  • Life-sustaining treatments (e.g., CPR, ventilation)
  • Pain management
  • Palliative care
  • Organ donation

Step 3: Appoint a Healthcare Proxy

• Choose a trusted individual who will be responsible for making medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
• Ensure that this person understands and agrees with your preferences.
• Document your decision in the ACP form.

Step 4: Share Your Wishes

• Inform your family, friends, and healthcare team about your ACP.
• Keep a copy of your ACP in easily accessible locations, such as your wallet or medical file.
• Regularly review and update your ACP as your preferences may change over time.

Step 5: Review and Revise

• Reconvene with your loved ones and healthcare professionals periodically to discuss your ACP.
• Make adjustments as needed to ensure that your preferences remain aligned with your values and goals.

Benefits of Advance Care Planning

ACP offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced peace of mind: Knowing that your wishes will be respected provides comfort and reduces anxiety.
• Clarity for loved ones: Provides guidance for your family and friends during difficult times, reducing confusion and distress.
• Improved care coordination: Facilitates seamless transitions between healthcare settings, ensuring that your preferences are communicated and respected.
• Reduced healthcare costs: May prevent unnecessary medical interventions that do not align with your preferences, potentially saving costs.
• Increased dignity: Preserves your autonomy and dignity, allowing you to control your healthcare decisions even when you are vulnerable.

Tables

Table 1: Common Advance Care Planning Decisions

Table 2: Advance Care Planning Resources

Table 3: Prevalence of Advance Care Planning

Table 4: Benefits of Advance Care Planning

Conclusion

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a crucial process that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their future medical care. By following the 5-step approach outlined in this guide, you can create a plan that reflects your values and preferences. Remember, ACP is not only about dictating medical treatments but also about improving communication and ensuring that your wishes are respected. By having these conversations and documenting your preferences, you can enhance your peace of mind, reduce the burden on your loved ones, and ensure that your end-of-life care aligns with your goals.