International Society of Advance Care Planning and End of Life Care Conference 2011

Advance Care Planning: Making it happen - "No decision about me without me"
Advance care planning continues to grow in prominence throughout the western world as people recognise the importance of patient autonomy, and the right of patients to describe and determine what they really wish for as they approach the end of their life. This a key factor in the growing emphasis on improving end of life care- many feel that the way we care for our most sick and vulnerable patients nearing the end of life is a litmus test for our society as a whole.

Over the course of the three day Conference you will hear how advance care planning and end of life care are working, or not working, around the world, examine the impact of policy changes, programmes, legislation, frameworks and guidelines and see which strategies are working and why. You will be able to hear current evidence, see developing research, talk to other like-minded health professionals, share your own work and participate in workshops. You will be encouraged by the success of others, stimulated by honest discussion of the challenges ahead , learn of practical examples of what to do and how to do it and experience the growing international commitment to improving advance care planning and end of life care. We hope that you will come away armed with practical ideas and solutions, fired up to put these into practice in your local area, and be part of the growing momentum across the world in this important area of healthcare.