The Office of Advance Care Planning has reached a milestone of 100,000 documents setting out how Queenslanders want to live the rest of their lives.
Director of the Office, Liz Reymond said the 100,000 Advance Care Plan (ACP) document milestone had been reached since the Office began operations on 1 July 2016.
“Preparing an ACP isn’t always about death, it’s also about your life and how you want to live it,” Professor Reymond said.
“Such plans can be used to ensure your wishes, values, beliefs and future healthcare preferences are known in case you become incapable of consenting or refusing healthcare for yourself,” she said.
Professor Reymond said conversations about dying and death could be confronting and emotional “but they’re very valuable to have ahead of time”.
“As hard as the conversation can be, it will save your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions on your behalf without knowing what you would have wanted,” she said.
“Your doctor can provide information and outline possible options for you, the implications of your choices and clarify what might happen if you want to receive or refuse certain kinds of medical treatment.”
The Director said this was particularly important for people who were already suffering from a terminal illness.
“Having a discussion with your carers, family and trusted friends about your future medical treatment and care, and documenting it, is vital,” she said.
“Once you have made your decisions, it is important to document them so that your nominated decision-maker and healthcare team are fully aware of your wishes if you lose capacity and can no longer communicate clearly,” Professor Reymond said.
