Advance Care Planning: Having Goals-of-Care Conversations in Oncology Nursing

Abstract

Patients with advanced-stage cancer face serious life-limiting illness while receiving palliative treatment, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Advance care planning and goals-of-care conversations are important to have with patients with curable or incurable cancer. Oncology nurses can play an important role by having the knowledge and skills required to communicate with patients and families about advance care planning and goals of care during acute and outpatient care. Patient decision tools and aids include guides for advance care planning, goals of care, and related patient resources for acquiring knowledge and skills.

Keywords: advance care planning; goals of care; palliative care; patient-centered care.