ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines on palliative care: advanced care planning

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Abstract
Advanced care planning (ACP) is a process of reflection and communication about a person's values and wishes concerning future health issues and personal care preferences in the event that one becomes incapable of consenting to or refusing treatment or other care [1]. It is based on a person's priorities, beliefs and values and involves taking time to learn about end-of-life care options and services before a health crisis occurs. When one cannot express one's own wishes, professional care providers (e.g. treating physician, other health care professionals) and/or other people (e.g. family members, spouse) are forced to take decisions during such a crisis that may differ from the patient's wishes.