Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of reflecting on our values and beliefs and then discussing our wishes for what we would want to have happen if faced with a critical medical situation. Those wishes are written down, so family and caregivers know what choices to make regarding our care and comfort, even when we are unable to communicate for ourselves.

Ambulatory caregivers are encouraged (not required) to start ACP conversations with patients early, before a crisis. Engaging our patients in advance care planning work is not only helpful for patients to make sure their wishes are known to those closest to them, but it is also a gift to their inpatient care team (our colleagues). Our goal as caregivers is to provide our patients with the right care, in the right place, at the right time, every time and advance care planning ensures we are able to do this in the midst of a pandemic. This work should start in the ambulatory setting!

It can feel strange and uncomfortable to discuss advance care planning with our patients, but there are tools to help. Our hope is that the new ACP Navigator provides caregivers throughout our Valley system with an easy and efficient one-stop-shop for all advance care planning (and goals of care) documents, notes, resources and historical information in as few clicks as possible. That way, we can be prepared to serve our patients at a moment's notice, and if our patients end up in our hospital, we can provide them with care that aligns with their goals.

Ambulatory departments, please visit the TiP Sheet:

Inpatient departments please visit the TiP Sheet:

Newly-Updated POLST and Advance Directive Documents

The Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) documents have been updated by the WSMA. For more information about the updates, please refer to the 24:30 minute mark of this video:

New WSMA/Honoring Choices PNW advance directives have also been released. These new documents can be found on the Valley ACP SharePoint site. Old forms are still valid, but as an organization we are trying to move towards more broadly using the updated versions. Documents can be found on the ACP SharePoint Site:

Upload Your Own ACP Documents Through MyChart

As caregivers, it is important for us to exemplify this work. If you have not already completed your advance care planning, we encourage you to do so. Valley Caregivers get 10 points towards their overall wellness incentive for completing this work. Once you have filled out and notarized/witnessed your documents, you can upload them through MyChart. We hope you share this exciting new information with patients as well!