In my role I not only support the patient but also the family. With regard to the patient I will break down medial jargon and assist with informed choices. I can sometimes work as an advocate between the patient and family explaining the importance of advance care planning. Although it can be a very difficult subject to approach it is a very important one. I ensure that the patient understand the need for advance care planning and also that a decision made today can be changed tomorrow! I make sure that the end of life care plan is upheld and followed. I also liaise with the family at every stage ensuring they are happy with the care and that the advanced care plan is meeting the needs of the patient. As a manager it is also important that staff are aware of the advance care plan and are able to follow the wishes of the individual. I do this when giving in-house staff training and also make it clear via daily reports. I personally see my role as a …show more content…
This is not to be confused with assisted death. The ethics in this may be difficult for family member who may want the individual to carry on with life prolonging treatment. Legal issues can also arise when the individual disagrees and can request assisted dying. This involves either euthanasia or assisted suicide. It is illegal in the UK. A widely accepted definition of euthanasia is: ‘Euthanasia is killing on request and is defined as: a doctor intentionally killing a person by the administration of drugs at that person’s voluntary and competent request’ It needs to be pointed out that an advanced care plan is not a legal document it can be changed at any