Frequently asked questions
1. Who conducts the ACP session?
ACP sessions are usually initiated by the primary care team (i.e. the doctor / nurse in-charge of patient). Subsequently, the ACP will be discussed and completed with the patient (and usually a next-of-kin) by a trained ACP facilitator. Where clients self-register for the ACP conversation, they will be conducted by the WH ACP team. All ACP facilitators are healthcare workers who go through training, competency check, and certification to be qualified to conduct an ACP session.
2. Who will be able to see my ACP? Will other hospitals be able to view it?
Upon completing the ACP discussion with WH, the ACP form will be documented in patient’s clinical notes. Doctors will be able to view the ACPs of their patients in the hospital and National Electronic Healthcare Records (NEHR). All ACP completed in WH are updated in the NEHR.
Patients are encouraged to keep a copy of their ACP, and to proactively share it with their family and their other healthcare providers, be it within or outside of WH.
3. Who can I appoint as my Nominated Healthcare Spokesperson (NHS)?
Your NHS will ideally be:
- At least 21 years old
- Someone who knows you well
- Willing to speak up for your goals and values on your behalf
- Someone you trust and will act in your best interests to inform your healthcare team about your care preferences, if you lose mental capacity one day.
- Someone who can handle stressful situations well.
You may nominate up to two NHS. They should be clear and in agreement about your preferences.
4. Is ACP the same as Advance Medical Directive (AMD) or Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
No, they are not the same. You may refer to the table below for the differences.
Type of Tool
| ACP | AMD | LPA |
What is it
| Enables people to know your treatment preferences in a medical crisis. This empowers them to make decisions for you according to your preferences.
| A legal document which you sign in advance to inform your doctor that you do not want any life sustaining treatment to prolong your life in the event you are terminally ill and unconscious and death is imminent.
| The legal appointment of one or more persons, called a done, to act and make decisions on your behalf when you lose mental capacity.
|
Who it involves
| A certified ACP facilitator will conduct the ACP discussion with you, your nominated spokesperson. Your healthcare team may be involved.
| A doctor who will certify that you are of sound mind when you sign the document.
| A accredited doctor, lawyer or psychiatrist who will certify that you are of sound mind when you sign the document.
|
When it comes into effect
| When you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself.
| When you are terminally ill, unconscious and death is imminent. This requires certification by 3 independent doctors.
| When you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. Your donees can make decisions in personal welfare and/or property and financial affairs. They do not have the authority to make decisions on life-sustaining treatment on your behalf.
|
For more information, click on the following links:
AMD and
LPA. Learn more about other ways to plan ahead
here.
5. Can I change my mind after my discussion?
Yes, you can. Whenever you change your mind about some of the decisions you have made, please inform your primary healthcare team or WH ACP team, so that your updated preferences can be reflected in the NEHR at the earliest time.
