Advance Care Planning, Part 1 of 2

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of communicating one’s goals, values, and preferences, to provide direction for medical decision-making in the event that a person cannot speak for themselves. Understanding which aspects of life one cherishes most is core to ACP, as this is essential in directing what treatments an individual would or would not find acceptable. Prior research has shown that Advance Care Planning leads to an improved quality of life, decreased rates of in-hospital death, increased peacefulness,and a greater likelihood of having one’s wishes known and followed. The best time to discuss Advance Care Planning is when an individual is well – and hence, able to articulate their own wishes. 
 
This two-part seminar will guide Jamati members on the core principles of Advance Care Planning. The first seminar will be an introduction to ACP, and encourage self-reflection on the values and beliefs that guide personal decision-making processes, shaped by our perspectives as Ismaili Muslims. The second session will provide key information on constructing advance care directives and communicating wishes to one's health care team.