FK-KMK UGM. For many people, discussing end-of-life and quality of life remains a taboo subject, particularly for patients with chronic illnesses or those who are elderly.
Advance care planning (ACP) is crucial in this context. It is essential for exploring patients’ care experiences and preferences, helping to guide interventions and decision-making between patients and healthcare providers.
In an online seminar titled “Advance Care Planning” held on Thursday (30/5), the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH), Master’s Program in Bioethics, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Gadjah Mada University (FK-KMK UGM), and the UNESCO Chair on Bioethics UGM, supported by Amsterdam University Medical Center, brought this issue to the forefront.
The seminar featured several practitioners, including Prof. Dick Willems, MD, from Amsterdam University Medical Center; Prof. Dr. Christantie Effendy, S.Kp., M.Kes., and Martina Sinta Kristanti, S.Kep., Ns. M.N., Ph.D., from FK-KMK UGM; and Banu Hermawan, SH, MH.Li., from the Ethics Committee of Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta.
“The challenges and opportunities for care planning are very unique in Indonesia due to its diverse culture, making this a very sensitive issue. Therefore, we need to create an inclusive framework,” said Dr. Dra. Retna Siwi Padmawati, MA, representing CBMH.
Prof. Dick echoed this sentiment, noting that the cultural and religious heterogeneity in Indonesia is one of the main challenges in implementing ACP in the country.
“ACP is about supporting and helping patients understand their personal values, such as life goals and preferences,” explained Prof. Dick.
Prof. Christantie pointed out another challenge: the limited opportunities for patient communication in Indonesia, which hinders the implementation of ACP.
“Patient preferences in Indonesia can often depend on their advisers, which is a cultural aspect we need to consider,” she added.
Prof. Christantie emphasized that healthcare providers play a vital role in educating families and relatives about patients’ preferences.
She also mentioned the recent issuance of the Indonesian Minister of Health’s Decree No. HK.01.07/MENKES/2180/2023 on Palliative Care Guidelines, which underscores the importance of inclusive ACP implementation in Indonesia.
“Recently, discussions about ACP have become less taboo, but it is undeniable that only a few people are concerned about it,” Tanti continued.
Thus, effective communication among patients, families, and healthcare providers is key to achieving openness, readiness, and ambivalence in patients as part of ACP implementation.
This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Good Health and Well-being (SDGs 3), Gender Equality (SDGs 5), and Reduced Inequalities (SDGs 10). (Isroq Adi Subakti/Reporter).
