April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day.
Virginia Cancer Specialists recognizes the importance of talking with patients and families about their goals of care. Completing advance directives is an important task in ensuring that those that you love and trust are aware of your treatment preferences, should you be unable to make those decisions. Having a conversation about your goals of care and documenting this will guide your appointed decision maker in helping you receive that care that you need/prefer.
- Pick your person to be your health care decision maker
- Think about what you would want if you became seriously ill
- Talk about what matters most to you
For more information on National Healthcare Decisions Day and additional resources:
The Conversation Project: https://theconversationproject.org/nhdd/
The Virginia State Bar: https://www.vsb.org/site/public/healthcare-decisions-day
The VCS Palliative Medicine physicians are a great resource for discussing your treatment plan, goals of care, and advance directives. The Virginia Cancer Specialists social workers are available to begin the conversation about advance directives and how to complete necessary forms. We can address issues such as how to choose a health care agent, how to talk to your doctor, and how to discuss this with family/friends. Tracy Tierney, LCSW, OSW-C, can be reached via our main number at 571.350.8400 or VCSSocialwork@usoncology.com. Won Cho, BSW can be reached at 571.350.8400 or VCSSocialwork@usoncology.com as well. Your oncologist and other team members can refer you to our palliative care providers and social work team.
