Goals of Care Toolkit for Oncology Settings

Goals of Care discussions help a person living with a life-limiting illness understand the serious nature of their illness. If the person is incapable, the discussions are with their substitute decision-maker. Goals of Care discussions also help healthcare providers to understand the patient’s values and goals for their care.

Toolkit

This toolkit was developed specifically for oncology settings. It is for providers across multidisciplinary healthcare teams and all aspects of cancer care.

Benefits of the toolkit

• Supports healthcare providers to routinely have, incorporate and document Goals of Care discussions in clinical practice
• Provides patients and caregivers with tools and resources to understand and prepare for these conversations

Resources for providers

Download the full toolkit (which includes the references and appendix), or choose individual resources.

Clinician Resource (full toolkit)

Structure, Flow and Suggested Language (theory of concept of Goals of Care)

Suggested Language for Challenging Questions (common questions and answers guide)

Quick Note (discussion prompts)

Documentation Template (documentation form to complete or adapt for Goals of Care discussions)

Making Decisions About Your Cancer Care (poster for display in cancer centres)

Resources for patients

Fact Sheet: Making decisions for your care and treatment (discussion guide and information for patients and substitute decision-makers)

Work Sheet: Preparing for conversations about my care (helps to address and define Goals of Care concepts and outcomes)