Practices to overcome the inexistence of Advance Care Planning in Poland

Abstract

Although the first Advance Care Planning (ACP) models were developed decades ago, Poland is still a country where ACP has not yet been implemented, despite its apparent benefits for both patients and the health care system. This article presents the legal and cultural context, main impediments, and opportunities for implementing ACP in Poland. Legal regulations are mandatory to ensure respect for the patient’s will. Raising public awareness seems to be a cornerstone of the shift of paradigm. We strongly believe that the support of experienced countries is indispensable.