Glossary of advance care planning terms

The following definitions are intended for use by health professionals. They are suitable for use in education and training materials for advance care planning.

A similar list of definitions written in plain English is available for consumers.

Legislation and terminology may vary between states across Australia. Please refer to Advance Care Planning Australia (external site) for information from each state.

Advance Care Directives
Advance care plan
Advance care planning
Advance care planning documents
Advance Health Directive
Artificial feeding
Capacity
Common Law Directive
Certified copy
Competency
End-of-life
End-of-life care
Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)
Enduring Power of Guardianship (EPA) and enduring guardian
General Practitioner (GP)
Goals of care
Guardian
Health care
Health professional
Intubation and ventilation
LGBTQIA+
Life-limiting condition
Life-sustaining measures
Medical research
Pain relief medication
Palliative care
Public Advocate
State Administrative Tribunal
Terminal illness
Treatment
Treatment decision
Urgent treatment

Where to get help

Advance care planning

  • Department of Health WA Advance Care Planning Information Line 
    General queries and to order advance care planning resources and documents (e.g. Advance Health Directives)
    Phone: 9222 2300
    Email: ACP@health.wa.gov.au
  • Palliative Care WA – Advance care planning workshops and support
    Free information, workshops and support with advance care planning for the community 
    Phone: 1300 551 704 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day)
    Email: info@palliativecarewa.asn.au
    Palliative Care WA (external site)
  • National Advance Care Planning Free Support Service
    General queries and support with completing advance care planning documents
    Phone: 1300 208 582
    Online referral form (external site)

Enduring Powers of Guardianship and Enduring Powers of Attorney