Advance Care Planning and Goals of Care Communication in Older Adults with Cardiovascular Disease and Multi-Morbidity

Clin Geriatr Med. 2016 May;32(2):247-60. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2016.01.011. Epub 2016 Feb 18.

Abstract

This article provides an approach to advance care planning (ACP) and goals of care communication in older adults with cardiovascular disease and multi-morbidity. The goal of ACP is to ensure that the medical care patients receive is aligned with their values and preferences. In this article, the authors outline common benefits and challenges to ACP for older adults with cardiovascular disease and multimorbidity. Recognizing that these patients experience diverse disease trajectories and receive care in multiple health care settings, the authors provide practical steps for multidisciplinary teams to integrate ACP into brief clinic encounters.

Keywords: Advance care planning; Cardiovascular disease; Communication; Goals of care; Multi-morbidity; Older adults; Patient-doctor relationship.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Advance Care Planning* / ethics
  • Advance Care Planning* / organization & administration
  • Aged
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / psychology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • Decision Making
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Physician-Patient Relations*