Advance Care Planning

Advance care planning is an important part of a child’s care plan. It supports health professionals to work with children and families to consider future care preferences, particularly if a child’s condition changes over time, while also giving families the opportunity to express their values and wishes for care.

This guide provides practical information for health professionals on approaching advance care planning discussions in paediatric settings. It explores when and how conversations may begin and evolve, the importance of collaboration with families and the multidisciplinary care team, and how care preferences can be discussed, documented and shared across services.

The guide also highlights the importance of respectful, family-centred conversations that recognise the values and priorities of the family and, where appropriate, include the child’s voice depending on their age, maturity and understanding. As advance care planning is an ongoing process, goals of care should be regularly reviewed and clearly defined, recognising they may change over time.

To know more, click here to download the resource.