2.2 - Terminology

Advance Care Planning: Planning as early as possible for any patient healthy or not. It is stating one's wishes and preferences for future care in the event of an acute medical crisis or sudden health deterioration. An advance care plan may be used to guide the substitute decision maker and the healthcare team about what an patient would want or not want if they were unable to speak for themselves.

Examples: Can include Representation Agreements and Advance Directives as well as informal conversations with family and friends. It is beneficial to do this in advance of a serious illness.

Adapted from: BC Ministry of Health, Advance Care Planning, Making Future Health Care Decisions.

Conversation about Serious Illness: Planning in the context of progression of serious illness. This includes an patient's values and beliefs, goals, and wishes. The conversation is based on 2 principles: personhood and dignity, and is focused on learning about who the patient is and what is most important to that patient

Example: "I want to spend more time at home with my family as my illness progresses." And "I am most worried about how my husband will manage as a single parent."

Goals of Care Conversation: Goals of care discussions are specific medical decisions made in the context of clinical progression, crisis, poor prognosis or health deterioration and should describe an patient's goal for treatment of the disease and/or symptom management. These conversations support the direction of care and ensure care aligns with patient's wishes.

Example: "I would like to have my abdomen drained if there is fluid building up." And "I don't want a tracheostomy if my airway gets blocked."

Adapted from: Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, The way forward national framework: A roadmap for an integrated palliative approach to care.