Advance care planning in Australia: overdue for improvement

Intern Med J. 2002 Sep-Oct;32(9-10):475-80. doi: 10.1046/j.1445-5994.2002.00268.x.

Abstract

As the population of Australia ages, the issue of advance care planning (ACP) to improve medical management towards life's end becomes more important. However, ACP appears poorly developed in Australia. This article discusses ACP and advance directives in the context of the Australian experience and compares this with the experience overseas. It highlights the need for an improvement in ACP and recommends specific areas for discussion and research.

MeSH terms

  • Advance Care Planning* / organization & administration
  • Advance Directives* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Australia
  • Diffusion of Innovation
  • Humans
  • Living Wills
  • Population Dynamics