On this page, we explain what advance care planning is, how to do it and how it can benefit the person and their families.
What is Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning is thinking about what care you might – and might not – want, and where, in the future.
In the same way you might write a will, or make your funeral wishes known, advance care planning ensures your loved ones, as well as health and care professionals looking after you, know your wishes.
For example:
- Where would you prefer to spend your last days, if possible – at home? In a hospice?
- In the event of an emergency, who would you want an ambulance crew to call?
In London, advance care planning is recorded through the Universal Care Plan (see below).
Guy’s and St Thomas’ have created some great resources around advance care planning, which they’ve called Let’s talk: advance care planning. This includes multiple translations and formats.
What is the Universal Care Plan?
In London, advance care planning is recorded through the Universal Care Plan, sometimes referred to as a ‘UCP’.
The Universal Care Plan (UCP) is a digital care plan based on what matters to you. It allows your wishes, along with your individual care and support needs, to be shared digitally with healthcare professionals involved in your care in London.
A Universal Care Plan (UCP) can be created following a conversation between you and your healthcare professional (such as a doctor or nurse). The plan can include:
- Who you are and what matters to you
- Your preferences or wishes for your care in the future
- What support you need and who is best placed to provide this
- Information about others who may be involved in your care, such as relatives
- Your health conditions including any treatments you do or don’t want
Your healthcare professional will document this information in the Universal Care Plan (UCP). Your care plan can be updated at any time if your needs and wishes change.
Did you know? You can view your Universal Care Plan and see when it was last updated in the NHS app. For more information on viewing your UCP in the NHS App, click here.
Please note: In areas outside of London, the ReSPECT tool is used for advance care planning. ReSPECT is the Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment. You can Find out more about ReSPECT on the Resuscitation Council UK’s website.
Please do not hesitate to ask for support. There are people there to help you, whoever you are, wherever you are and whatever stage of illness you or a loved one is at. You can also find further information in our helpful resources pages.
Palliative care will be part of a neighbourhood health service model. Read more about Introducing Integrated Neighbourhood Teams in South East London.