Guidance for healthcare staff: Advance Care Planning and Advance Healthcare Directives with People with Dementia

Authors: Deirdre Shanagher , Marie Lynch

Abstract Introduction: Dementia is a progressive life limiting illness. People with dementia value planning ahead. It allows them to express wishes and preferences and reduces anxiety.Description: With the enactment of The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 guidance in relation to advance care planning and advance healthcare directives with people with dementia is required by health and social care professionals in all care settings.Aim: To develop guidance for health and social care professionals with regard to advance care planning and advance healthcare directives with people with dementiaPopulation and Stakeholders: This work involves health and social care professionals, people with dementia and family membersTimeline: This work took place over a 9 month periodHighlights: People with dementia were involved in the development of the guidance documentThe document has been well received within Ireland and other countries across Europe.Sustainability: Advice is offered on use of the document, to carry out information sessions, use as a reference and hosts up to date information with regard to new Irish legislation that will have a long term impact.Transferability: The document is written for the Irish context but as it is in keeping with European legislation and promotes best practice with regard to advance care planning and advance healthcare directives the information and guidance can be applied in other countries.Result: A guidance document and accompanying factsheet have been developed.Conclusion: The document and factsheet are published and available for use.Discussion: More research is needed to indicate the impact of the document on practice and for people with dementia.Lessons Learned: People with dementia can participate in the development of resources that impact them.Collaboration is key when carrying out work that reaches across all care settings.

Keywords:

dementia advance care planning palliative care

How to Cite:

Shanagher D, Lynch M. Guidance for healthcare staff: Advance Care Planning and Advance Healthcare Directives with People with Dementia. International Journal of Integrated Care. 2017;17(5):A118.

DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.3423Published on 17th October 2017