Respecting Choices is owned and operated by Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation located in La Crosse, WI, USA.
Mission
To assist organizations, communities, and individuals worldwide in implementing advance care planning practices that support informed healthcare decisions.
About Us
Respecting Choices is an internationally recognized, evidence-based advance care planning program dramatically different from unproven advance directive programs available today. Since 2000, Respecting Choices has assisted other organizations in replicating the Respecting Choices model through the 1) design of key elements that help busy professionals do the right thing, and 2) adoption of ACP as an ongoing process of communication integrated into the routine of patient-centered care, and appropriately staged to the individual’s state of health.
As innovators and leaders in advance care planning education and systems development since 1991, Respecting Choices has provided training, consultation, and materials to organizations and communities around the world. Respecting Choices is an evidence-based advance care planning program dramatically different from programs that focus only on document completion.
Why use Respecting Choices?
Respecting Choices focuses on the process of advance care planning. Other programs that emphasize completing a living will or advance directive are only scratching the surface. In fact, the standard approach of document completion has failed, but Respecting Choices is a system that works because we understand the big picture. We know what it takes to create comprehensive, effective advance care planning programs that result in honoring informed healthcare decisions. Because of this comprehensive approach, Respecting Choices will help you exceed The Joint Commission requirements regarding the patient's rights, including the following:
- Comfort and dignity during end-of-life care
- The patient's participation in decisions regarding the patient’s care, treatment, or services before and at the end of life
- A complete patient record reflecting the patient’s care, treatment, or service
Why does our method work?
Respecting Choices works because our approach is staged, based on a person's state of health. We understand that an advance care planning program is an ongoing process of communication, integrated into the routine of patient-centered care. Other programs that focus on completing a document see advance care planning as a one-time event; a one-size-fits-all approach. Learn more about our staged approach.
RC Faculty & Staff
Providing ACP assistance and expertise for more than 20 years.
History & Overview
Learn more about the evolution of Respecting Choices as an advance care planning system that works.
