advance care plan
Also written as: ACP
A documented record of a patient's preferences regarding future medical treatment, care goals, and end-of-life wishes, developed while the patient retains decision-making capacity.
Full Definition
An advance care plan (ACP) is a patient-centred document completed through a structured conversation between the patient, their family or substitute decision-maker, and the healthcare team, recording the patient's values, beliefs, and preferences for future care in the event of incapacity. In geriatric rehabilitation, ACPs are particularly important given the vulnerability of the population and the likelihood of future episodes of acute illness or cognitive decline. Editors should be aware that 'advance care plan' and 'advance directive' are related but distinct: an advance directive is a legally binding document (e.g., a Do Not Resuscitate order or a healthcare directive); an ACP is a broader, often non-legally-binding planning document. The term should be written as 'advance care plan' — not 'advanced care plan' — as 'advance' here functions as an adjective meaning 'in advance.'
Usage
Usage note: Critical style note: 'advance care plan' NOT 'advanced care plan.' The word is 'advance' (preemptive), not 'advanced' (highly developed). This is a frequent error in clinical documentation that editors must correct.
In Context
- "The geriatrician facilitated a family meeting to complete the patient's advance care plan, documenting her preference for comfort-focused care over further hospitalisation." — Geriatric outpatient consultation letter
- "Reviewers noted that 'advanced care plan' appeared throughout the document and flagged it for correction to 'advance care plan' in accordance with clinical style guidelines." — Editorial quality review report