title: Doctors, Lawyers and Advance Care Planning: Time for Innovation to Work Together to Meet Client Needs.
abstract: Health organizations in canada have invested considerable resources in strategies to improve knowledge and uptake of advance care planning (acp). Yet barriers persist and many canadians do not engage in the full range of acp behaviours, including writing an advance directive and appointing a legally authorized decision-maker. not engaging effectively in acp disadvantages patients, their loved ones and their healthcare providers. This article advocates for greater collaboration between health and legal professionals to better support clients in acp and presents a framework for action to build connections between these typically siloed professions.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor and Deputy Dean (Research), Newcastle Law School, University of Newcastle, Australia, External Research Fellow, Health Law Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
authors.forename: Nola M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Ries
authors.affiliation: Senior Project Coordinator, Advance Care Planning CRIO Program, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Douglas
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor and Division Head, Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Physician Consultant, Advance Care Planning and Goals of Care, Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor and Scientific Director, Covenant Health Palliative Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
authors.forename: Konrad
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fassbender
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D032722:Advance Care Planning / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D033241:Lawyers; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires