The cancer path is paved with many unexpected twists and turns. Do I understand the possible course of events? As each unfolds, do I know my options? Am I ready to face my personal circumstances? Advance Care Planning helps all persons, both healthy and those fighting illness or a disease, explore these questions within the context of their current health status; understand their options; and document their preferences for end-of-life care. This process helps individuals, along with their caregivers and family members, specify the treatments they do and do not desire and select a healthcare advocate to speak on their behalf if unable to speak for themselves

Beyond Costs, Peace of Mind for Everyone
In a recent federally funded study, only one-third of terminally ill cancer patients reported that their doctors had discussed end-of-life care.¹ However, over 80% of patients, both healthy and those diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, wanted to have a discussion about end-of-life with their physician.² Trained to help patients fight their disease, oncologists too frequently see treatments fail and must confront end-of-life issues with patients and their loved ones. The conversations are not easy. Some physicians struggle more than others. It is one of the most difficult parts of treatment for everyone involved. Yet, openly and frankly talking about end-of-life issues has benefits far beyond eliminating unnecessary treatment and associated costs during the last months of life.

The Innovent Oncology Advance Care Planning program is designed to facilitate timely, sensitive discussions with patients and loved ones as they transition from curative treatment to palliative/hospice care. The very same care team that guides patients through their fight to overcome their cancer introduces end-of-life concepts to patients early in their care. They review treatment options, discuss Advance Directives, and help to prepare patients and their families for palliative care and hospice. These discussions empower patients, increase their satisfaction with care, and give everyone peace of mind.

Practical Guidance for End-of-Life Care
Early study results^{1, 2} show that objective communication and documentation of patient preferences for current and future care leads to the development of a patient-centered plan for end-of-life. As a result, patients who had end-of-life talks with their physicians were three times less likely to spend their final week in intensive care, four times less likely to be on ventilators and six times less likely to have resuscitation attempted.

Innovent Oncology Advance Care Planning is designed to equip oncologists and their staff with the tools to guide patients and their loved ones along a path of discovery to enable the patient to live life as well as they can.

¹ Wright AA, Zhang B, Ray A, et al. Associations Between End-of-Life Discussions, Patient Mental Health, Medical Care Near Death, and Caregiver Bereavement Adjustment. JAMA. 2008;300(14):1665-1673.
²Johnston et al. The Discussion About Advance Directives. Arch Intern Med 1995;155:1025-1030.