Acronym is designed to empower patients, encourage open discussion
Norfolk, VA (April 2012) – Sentara Healthcare, a leader in public education on Advance Care Planning, has launched an updated information program urging patients and their families to TALK.
TALK, of course, is an acronym:
T – Take time to have the conversation with your physician and family.
A – Always be open and honest.
L – Leave no doubt about your values and preferences.
K – Know that advance care planning is a quality of life choice.
“It’s important for patients and families to have the conversation before there’s a medical crisis,” says David Cochran, director of Ethics and Advance Care Planning for Sentara Healthcare. “If that conversation results in the patient filing an Advance Medical Directive, that’s an ideal outcome.
“Nothing is worse for families than not knowing what their loved one wants,” Cochran continues. “Having the TALK empowers patients and gives families guidance in making healthcare decisions when it counts the most.”
After more than a decade educating patients about Advance Care Planning, Sentara Healthcare has almost 30,000 Advance Medical Directives on file, either locally or through the U.S. Living Will Registry.
Patients in Virginia and North Carolina can download informative materials and state-appropriate forms, watch a helpful video and link to authoritative sources at Advance Care Planning (Advance Directive)
Reminders: Sentara Advance Care Planning Week April 16 to 20, 2012 Nat’l Healthcare Decisions Day, Monday, April 16.
Related Links:
Advance Care Planning (Advance Directive)
U.S. Living Will Registry
Nat’l Healthcare Decisions Day
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