Promoting ACP as a professional

No one knows if or when a situation may arise in which a person is no longer able to make decisions about their medical treatment. All healthcare professionals – from general practitioners and home care professionals to emergency physicians – can initiate discussions about future health situations and support individuals in engaging in advance care planning (ACP). A relationship of trust and communication on equal terms are essential. This enables individuals to reflect on their values, wishes and expectations, to share them, and to have them documented so that they can be taken into account by relatives and professionals in the event of a loss of decision-making capacity.

 

Particularly where a patient already has a chronic or serious condition, it is important to discuss possible developments and to define treatment goals together at an early stage. Healthcare professionals can outline the available medical options and their limitations. This helps to establish realistic expectations and supports well-informed and timely decision-making. ACP provides a structured framework for this process.

 

 

The national working group on ACP aims to raise awareness on ACP among the general public and to embed it in society. As part of this work, the FOPH, in collaboration with a core group of experts (available in French, Italian or German), has developed web content designed to encourage the public to engage with ACP and to support them in its implementation.

 

The FOPH website «Empowering patients’ agency» also provides healthcare professionals with key information to support patients with ACP. An overview:

 

For all stages of life: With colourful images, clear messages and practical case studies, this page highlights the relevance of ACP for people in different life situations. Whether old or young, frail or healthy, ACP is important and feasible for everyone. The examples illustrate how ACP can be approached at different stages of life.

Empowering patients’ agency: Introduction, available in French, Italian or German

 

 

Questions and Answers: Many patients have questions about ACP: Why is ACP important? When is the right time? Can I change my mind later? This FOPH page provides clear explanations and answers. Healthcare professionals can use this content to prepare for discussions and to share information with patients.

Empowering patients’ agency: Benefits of ACP, available in French, Italian or German

 

 

Step-by-step guide: This FOPH webpage provides a range of guiding questions to support the initiation of conversations on ACP, explains key terms and offers guidance on documenting patients’ wishes. The information supports healthcare professionals in actively initiating discussions about values, treatment goals and advance directives, particularly with people with chronic conditions or older adults.

Empowering patients’ agency: Step-by-step guide, available in French, Italian or German

 

 

A wide range of resources to support ACP conversations and raise awareness of ACP can be ordered free of charge from the FOPH. For example:

• a print template for a leaflet to be displayed in a practice, office or at events
• a text and image template for a newsletter
• a template for on-screen communication in a practice, pharmacy, etc.

 

Healthcare professionals can use these materials to raise awareness of ACP among patients, relatives and team members. By completing the following FOPH survey, you can register your interest in these materials.

 

 

Together with the individuals concerned and, where appropriate, their relatives, healthcare professionals can support the ACP process. This plays a key role in ensuring that healthcare decisions are discussed at an early stage, appropriately documented and respected in the event of a loss of decision-making capacity. The following steps serve as a guide.

 

Raising the topic: Address the topic proactively, particularly when serious illnesses are diagnosed, during preventive check-ups, or in preparation for hospital admission or major procedures.

 

Conducting discussions: Hold regular discussions about wishes, fears and perspectives on quality of life. ACP is an ongoing process, not a one-off event.

 

Involving relatives: Encourage the involvement of trusted individuals to ensure that, in an emergency, they can act on behalf of the person concerned. Clarify who the authorised medical representative is and who should be contacted if needed.

 

Using appropriate tools: Make use of validated tools and resources for ACP, or consult a trained professional. You can also refer patients to advisory organisations (see below).

 

Ensuring proper documentation: Ensure that any advance directives or emergency forms provided by your patients are stored in a way that makes them easily accessible within the digital and/or physical patient record.

 

Maintaining a network: Collaborate with advisory services or specialised organisations. In Switzerland, organisations such as the Swiss Red Cross (available in French, Italian and German), Pro Senectute (available in French, Italian and German) or the SPO Foundation (available in French, Italian and German) offer advisory services. The SAMS and the FOPH do not offer advisory consultations.

 

 

Advance care planning, available in French, Italian or German

 

Empowering patients’ agency: Introduction, available in French, Italian or German

Empowering patients’ agency: Benefits of ACP, available in French, Italian or German

Empowering patients’ agency: Step-by-step guide, available in French, Italian or German

 

 

ACP for emergency situations

ACP in retirement or nursing homes

History of the national ACP working group