Despite recent gains in public awareness of the need for advance care planning, studies indicate that most Americans have not exercised their right to make decisions about their healthcare in the event that they cannot speak for themselves.
Great Plains Quality Innovation Network recognizes the need to integrate the patient and family member perspective as a valuable ‘voice’ in our quality improvement efforts. We believe information sharing and informed decision-making among family members and the healthcare team will lead to better health outcomes and an overall better experience during the care process. This is especially true as we are making advanced care planning decisions for our loved ones.
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), April 16, 2015, exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. National Healthcare Decisions Day is an initiative to encourage patients to express their wishes regarding healthcare and for providers and facilities to respect those wishes, whatever they may be.
The NHDD initiative is a collaborative effort of national, state and community organizations committed to ensuring that all adults with decision-making capacity in the United States have the information and opportunity to communicate and document their healthcare decisions.
It is important to have these conversations with our loved ones. Learn more, access educational resources and join the movement from the National Healthcare Decisions Day website.