FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Making Advance Care Planning Accessible: New Survey Highlights Gaps and Opportunities
Ottawa, Ontario – February 26, 2024 — The results are in from the latest survey conducted as part of the Making Advance Care Planning More Accessible for Persons with Disabilities project.
This survey of national, provincial/territorial and community organizations whose stakeholders are, or will be, impacted by a disability was conducted with the intent to better understand the type and availability of ACP resources for persons with disabilities, identify gaps and opportunities to enhance the accessibility, and availability of information.
A significant majority (97%) of respondents believe their clients and stakeholders would greatly benefit from ACP resources and education. This illuminates the immense value that these resources could bring to diverse communities across Canada.
Furthermore, 64% of respondents expressed a desire to work in partnership with the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) to develop accessible ACP resources. This reveals a significant readiness within the community to join forces with the CHPCA to extend the reach and impact of ACP.
“We are very pleased with the survey results, they show not only the recognized need for accessible ACP resources but also the resilience and collaborative spirit within our community,” said Karine Diedrich Advance Care Planning Canada, Director. ” We look forward to continuing to work with our provincial and community partners to ensure our materials and resources reflect their realities.
Advance care planning resources and education are designed to promote informed decision-making and encourage meaningful conversations. (ACP) is a process of reflection and communication; it is a time for people to reflect on their values and wishes for future health and personal care, and to communicate their preferences with others in case they are not able to communicate for themselves. This commitment towards enhancing ACP literacy and accessibility across Canada is a major focus for CHPCA.
“Working with our partners is very important in our efforts to make ACP resources accessible to all people in Canada. We look forward to such collaborations to raise awareness of advance care planning,” expressed CHPCA CEO, Laurel Gillespie.
For more information about the findings of the survey, or to learn more about new and available resources, please get in touch directly. To download the infographic of the survey findings, click here.
About Advance Care Planning Canada:
The national Advance Care Planning (ACP) in Canada initiative is led by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) with a financial contribution from Health Canada. The initiative aims to help people living in Canada prepare for their future and personal health care. ACP Canada runs an annual ACP Day campaign on April 16th. Visit advancecareplanning.ca/acpday/ to find out how you can participate.
About CHPCA:
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is the national voice for hospice palliative care in Canada. CHPCA is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in hospice palliative care and provides leadership on advocacy, education, research, and knowledge translation to ensure that everyone in Canada has access to high-quality hospice palliative care. CHPCA operates in close partnership with provincial hospice palliative care organizations and other national organizations to strengthen the accessibility and quality of palliative care provided across Canada. Visit www.chpca.ca to find out more.
For more information, please contact:
Tara Landry
Communications Officer
advancecareplanning.ca