The Day of Conversation is an annual UPMC campaign intended to spur conversations about advance care planning. Advance care planning involves making decisions about the type of medical care you would want, and who you would want to make decisions for you, should you be unable to speak for yourself. Held in April, in conjunction with National Health Care Decisions Day, advance care planning conversations engage family members and health care providers so that important health care decisions can be made before you are unable to make them.

While many people find it difficult to discuss end-of-life issues, having a conversation now, before a crisis, is much easier and more valuable than waiting until you are ill. The conversation allows you to make decisions about your care that reflect your wishes and your values. Additionally, it is a profound expression of caring that can relieve family members of the burden of uncertainty.

The Beckwith Institute is proud to support UPMC in this initiative, and we appreciate the role clinicians play in helping patients and families undergo these important conversations. Should you have questions about resources, training, and education related to advance care planning conversations, please contact the  UPMC Palliative and Supportive Institute or search “advance care planning” on Infonet.

Resources

Contact Us

Questions about UPMC’s “Just Talk About It” Campaign can be directed to Cassandra Heinle at heinlecm@upmc.edu