Care Planning is a process that helps healthcare providers work with patients and their families to set goals for care at the end of life. It is a way to ensure that patients receive the care they want and need, even if they are unable to communicate their wishes. Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a key component of Care Planning, which involves discussions between patients, their families, and healthcare providers about the patient’s values, beliefs, and goals for care. ACP helps patients and their families make informed decisions about their care and ensures that their wishes are respected.
In Alberta, Canada, healthcare providers are encouraged to engage in ACP discussions with their patients and families. The goal of these discussions is to ensure that patients receive care that is consistent with their values and goals, even if they are unable to communicate their wishes. Alberta Health Services provides resources and support to healthcare providers to help them engage in ACP discussions with their patients .
In British Columbia, Canada, the Residential Care Regulation outlines the requirements for advance care planning in residential care facilities. The regulation requires that healthcare providers discuss advance care planning with residents and their families and document their wishes in the resident’s care plan. The regulation also requires that healthcare providers review and update the resident’s care plan regularly .
In the context of mental health, Care Planning is an important part of treatment. Care Planning involves developing a plan of care that is tailored to the individual’s needs and goals. The plan of care may include medication management, therapy, and other interventions. Care Planning is an ongoing process that involves regular review and revision of the plan of care to ensure that it remains appropriate for the individual’s needs .