Have that conversation
By Future Care Planning Implementation Manager , Ellen Fisher .
Isn ’ t there a saying that if life gives you lemons , make a gin and tonic ? Or is it lemonade ?
I got a lemon at the end of last year . My husband had an unscheduled heart attack in November – a Non-STEMI for those in the know – and I was plunged into the unfamiliar territory of receiving care rather than giving it . In the midst of having ECGs and being assessed , I realised we hadn ’ t gotten round to writing his Future Care Plan . Oops ! I ’ ve written mine and we ’ d talked in general terms about his wishes but not got to the detail I needed now . So there we were in Tauranga Hospital on a Tuesday evening having a heart attack and a brief but intense exchange about what he wanted if things turned really sour .
Almost three months on , he ’ s doing well . It turned out the lemonade was not only having “ the ” conversation , it was the amazing care and attention we received while he was in Tauranga Hospital . I felt really humbled to be working in the same organisation as the team of people who provided his treatment and care .
Allan making lemonade after a heart attack .
Thank you so much .
You will find more information about Future Care Planning under the Healthy Living tab on OnePlace .
Check your patient ’ s resuscitation status
The Quality & Patient Safety team has developed the infographic below to help staff familiarise themselves with the forms used by patients or staff that can include this information . To find out more contact Lorraine Wilson on ext 8477 .
HOSPITAL
AMBULANCE
Future Care Plan / Advance Care Plan
across all of a person ’ s heathcare journeys
Advance Directive
a bridge between home and hospital
Ceiling of Intervention form hospital admission
Future Care Plan / Advance Care Plan ( FCP / ACP )
• Across all of a person ’ s healthcare journeys .
• Many pages long .
• Completed over time with GP , carers and family .
• Provides opportunities for person to engage in important conversations about their future and end-of-life healthcare .
Advance Directive ( AD ) form
• A bridge between FCP / ACP and COI .
• One page .
• Describe key wishes about resuscitation and life-sustaining interventions .
• GP confirms that a person has health knowledge and is competent to make decisions .
• Can be completed in advance of any hospital admissions , with or without a FCP / ACP .
Ceiling of Intervention ( COI ) form
• For this hospital admission only .
• One page .
• For adult hospital admissions .
• Completed by medical staff in discussion with patient and / or whānau / family .
• ADs are very helpful in completing the COI where a patient is not able to make decision or communicate their decision .
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