ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is one of the most meaningful and complex responsibilities in post-acute and long-term care. When done well, ACP ensures that residents’ values and preferences guide care decisions throughout their journey. When done inconsistently, it can lead to confusion, conflict, and care that does not align with what residents want most.
Organizations that approach ACP as a structured, integrated program are better positioned to deliver truly person-centered care. A successful ACP program begins with thoughtful implementation. ACP cannot simply be layered onto someone’s role without clarity around responsibilities, workflows, and tools. Leaders must determine who will initiate conversations, how clinical teams will support discussions, how documentation will be completed, and when conversations should occur throughout the resident’s stay. Without this level of planning, ACP efforts often become inconsistent or dependent on individual staff comfort rather than organizational standards.
In today’s PATHTalks episode, Dr. Kathleen Unroe and Dr. Susan Hickman share key strategies for building a strong AP program.
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