Advance Care Planning and Communication Skills

Good communication skills are needed in this sensitive area. In many ways ACP represents an ongoing process of discussion and reviewing patient preferences, rather than a one-off exercise. It should be based on the developing relationship of trust and openness between staff, patient and their families or carers.

Many find that resistance of staff in initiating these discussions the hardest hurdle to overcome, but once established as normal practice, most find the benefit greatly outweighs the initial hesitation. Support with communication skills to improve these discussions is often helpful.

• Guide developed for GSF Care Homes Programme on communication and Advance Care Planning – ‘Tips on using an ACP’
• Link to videos on communication skills from an education website (Hospice Friendly Hospital Programme)