What is a key goal of advance care planning?

A key goal of advance care planning is to determine values and priorities for end-of-life care. This process allows individuals to express their preferences regarding medical treatment, goals of care, and the desired level of involvement in decision-making as they approach the end of life. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting a patient's individual values and wishes, which should guide their care.

Advance care planning fosters open communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers, ensuring that care aligns with what the patient desires and believes to be important. This proactive approach helps to prevent confusion and conflict during critical moments, making it easier for caregivers to make decisions that honor the patient's preferences.

Other options do not capture the essence of advance care planning. Disregarding patient values and priorities would undermine the intent of this process. Creating a legally binding contract is not the primary focus of advance care planning; instead, it is about guidance and understanding. While simplifying paperwork can be a part of the process, it is not the main goal of advance care planning, which revolves around fostering meaningful conversations that clarify patient choices and values in healthcare contexts.