The Singapore Family Physician

Back to issue Vol 35 No. 3 - Mental Capacity Act and Code of Practice

Advance care planning: Let's talk about your preferences for care at the end of life

raymond ng han lip
The Singapore Family Physician Vol 35 No 3 - Mental Capacity Act and Code of Practice
93 - 99
1 June 2009
0377-5305
Advance care planning is not widely practiced in the local context. When used appropriately, it is a tool that encourages deeper conversations about issues once deemed taboo to talk about and promotes patient centered care at the end of life. There are challenges that face the initiation of advance care planning discussions including physicians’ apathy and inadequacy of training. Successful advance care planning will entail sensitive discussions of the patient’s preferences and values that influence care at the end of life, clear documentation, regular review over time and application of the advance care plans to real situations. Primary care physicians can initiate advance care planning discussions with their patients who are usually in stable health.