
A care plan is a document that outlines an individual's needs and goals for their health, social, and emotional requirements. It is a shared decision-making process involving the patient, their carers, and their family. It is important to consider the patient's budget, their preference for a specific service or care worker, and whether they require a care worker who speaks the same language. An emergency care plan should also be in place, outlining advice on care provision during emergencies such as natural disasters. Advance care planning is a process of planning for future healthcare needs, enabling individuals to make decisions about the treatments they would like to receive if they become seriously ill and unable to communicate their preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To outline an individual's needs and goals, including their medical, social, and emotional requirements |
| Content | Details about the tests, interventions, treatments, and other activities needed to achieve care goals |
| Input | Reflects shared decisions made with patients, carers, and families |
| Format | Can be documented on paper or in electronic form; should be easily shared, accessed, and acted on by all relevant parties |
| Review | Care plans should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changing needs |
| Emergency Planning | Includes advice on care provision during emergencies, such as viral outbreaks or natural disasters |
| Advance Care Planning | Involves planning for future healthcare needs, enabling individuals to make decisions about their preferred treatments if they become unable to communicate them |
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What You'll Learn

Identify the patient's needs and goals
Identifying a patient's needs and goals is a crucial step in developing an effective care plan. It involves a collaborative dialogue between the patient, their carers, family, and healthcare practitioners. Here are some essential considerations and steps to identify a patient's needs and goals when creating a care plan in Australia:
Understanding the Patient's Perspective
The first step is to engage in open and honest conversations with the patient. Nurses play a vital role in this process, as emphasised in the Nursing and Midwifery Council's 2018 Future Nurse proficiency standards. During these discussions, it is essential to explore the patient's daily life, expectations, and overall wellbeing. This information is crucial for identifying their needs and goals.
Assessing and Prioritising Needs
The nursing assessment involves collecting and analysing data about the patient's health, functioning, and personal circumstances. This process helps identify the patient's needs, which can also be understood as ''problems'' to be addressed. A nursing diagnosis is then made, grounded in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. This framework helps to identify and rank human needs, ensuring that fundamental physiological needs, such as food, water, and sleep, take precedence in the care plan.
Setting Patient Goals
Based on the nursing diagnosis, the next step is to set patient goals. These goals should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Consider the patient's overall condition, diagnosis, and other relevant factors when setting these goals. Goals should be tailored to the individual and may include short-term and long-term targets to improve their health and quality of life.
Involving the Patient and Family
Involving the patient and, where appropriate, their family in the goal-setting process is essential. This collaborative approach ensures that the patient's needs and preferences are at the heart of the care plan. It also empowers patients to take an active role in their treatment and recovery, improving their overall engagement.
Regular Review and Adaptation
Care needs can change over time, so it is essential to review and update the care plan regularly. This process ensures that the identified needs and goals remain current and relevant. It also allows for flexibility, enabling adjustments to be made as the patient's health and circumstances evolve.
By following these steps, healthcare professionals can effectively identify a patient's needs and goals when creating a care plan. This process ensures that the care provided is person-centred, holistic, and responsive to the individual's unique circumstances.
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Consider the patient's budget and financial situation
When creating a care plan in Australia, it is important to consider the patient's budget and financial situation. This ensures that the patient can afford the services outlined in the care plan and helps to prevent financial strain. Here are some key considerations:
Firstly, it is essential to determine the patient's financial resources and limitations. This includes assessing their income, savings, and any government subsidies or financial assistance they may be eligible for. For instance, the Australian Government provides subsidies for Home Care Packages, with the amount differing based on the package level. Additionally, patients on a pension or with a low income may not be required to pay an income-tested care fee.
Secondly, the cost of the services included in the care plan should be carefully evaluated. This involves researching the prices set by different service providers and considering the specific services and items required by the patient. It is important to remember that the patient's budget must be able to cover all the services in the care plan. If their budget is insufficient, additional fees can be charged with the patient's agreement, or alternative service options can be discussed.
Moreover, the patient's financial situation may change over time, impacting their ability to pay for care. For example, a decrease in income or unexpected expenses may affect their financial stability. In such cases, it is important to review and adjust the care plan accordingly. Patients can also seek financial advice or apply for financial hardship assistance if they struggle to afford their care costs due to circumstances beyond their control.
When considering the patient's budget and financial situation, it is crucial to involve the patient, their carers, and their family in the decision-making process. By doing so, shared decisions can be made regarding the services, interventions, and treatments included in the care plan while respecting the patient's financial limitations. Regular reviews and updates to the care plan also ensure that it remains feasible and adaptable to any changes in the patient's financial circumstances.
Lastly, it is worth noting that the patient's budget and financial situation are interconnected with their care needs. For instance, if a patient requires specialised care or has complex needs, their financial resources may be allocated differently to accommodate those requirements. Additionally, the availability of support from family members or other services can impact the financial aspect of the care plan.
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Include an emergency care plan
In Australia, it is important to have an emergency care plan in place, especially for aged care services and aged care homes. This is crucial in the event of an emergency, such as a viral outbreak or natural disaster, to ensure safe service delivery. An emergency care plan should include advice on care provision during different types of emergencies. It should also outline the steps to reduce risks to residents and staff.
To develop an effective emergency care plan, it is essential to involve the care recipient, their family, their authorised representatives, and their General Practitioner (GP) or other health practitioners. Before finalising the plan, it is important to discuss what would trigger its activation before an emergency occurs. This discussion should also include the care recipient's goals and preferences to ensure they are respected.
An emergency care plan should capture critical information such as emergency contacts, the care recipient's current GP, and other relevant health practitioners. It should also include instructions on the care and support that may be required, as well as any medications the care recipient is taking and their regular support services. Additionally, it is beneficial to include any specific expectations of the person who will assume the caring role in an emergency.
It is important to keep emergency care plan details up to date and to provide copies to all emergency contacts. Planning for potential emergencies, such as power failures, road access issues, and disruptions to critical infrastructure, is also recommended. Furthermore, aged care providers should be prepared for staff shortages and have procedures in place to address issues identified during welfare checks on older people in their care.
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Detail the patient's medical, social and emotional requirements
A care plan is a dynamic tool that guides the nursing process, fosters teamwork, and enhances patient care. It is essential to detail a patient's medical, social, and emotional requirements to provide the best possible care. Here are some key considerations for each of these aspects:
Medical Requirements:
- Vital signs: Monitor and record vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate.
- Physical complaints and conditions: Take note of any physical issues or visible health conditions the patient is experiencing or exhibiting.
- Medical history: Understand the patient's medical history, including any previous illnesses, surgeries, or relevant family medical history.
- Neurological functioning: Assess the patient's current neurological state and any relevant mental health factors.
- Diagnostic reports and medical results: Utilize diagnostic tools and tests to inform the care plan, such as blood work, imaging scans, or other specialized tests.
- Medications and treatments: Detail any medications or treatments the patient is currently undergoing, including intravenous therapy, dietary plans, or activity/rest recommendations.
Social Requirements:
- Support systems: Identify the patient's support network, including family, friends, and caregivers. Encourage social interaction and foster supportive relationships to prevent social isolation.
- Communication: Implement active listening and therapeutic communication techniques. Ensure that the patient has a way to express their concerns, preferences, and expectations regarding their daily life and wellbeing.
- Cultural considerations: Be mindful of the patient's cultural background and any specific cultural needs or practices that should be accommodated.
Emotional Requirements:
- Emotional support: Provide comfort and emotional support tailored to the patient's needs. This may include counseling or psychological services if needed.
- Self-esteem and belonging: Address any emotional or social factors that may impact the patient's self-esteem and sense of belonging.
- Psychological interventions: Collaborate with psychologists or mental health professionals for more specialized interventions if required.
It is important to remember that care plans should be individualized and regularly reviewed and updated to meet the changing needs of the patient.
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Specify how the patient wishes for services to be delivered
When creating a care plan in Australia, it is essential to specify how the patient wishes for the services to be delivered to ensure person-centred care. This involves understanding the patient's preferences, cultural needs, and any specific requests they may have regarding the delivery of their care. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Involve the Patient and Their Support Network: It is crucial to engage the patient in the decision-making process and ensure that their voice is heard. Discuss their preferences, needs, and any cultural or spiritual beliefs that may impact their care. Additionally, involve the patient's family, carers, or other support persons as per the patient's wishes. Their input can provide valuable insights and help ensure that the care plan aligns with the patient's overall well-being.
Communication and Information Preferences: Understand how the patient prefers to receive information. Some patients may prefer written materials, while others may benefit from visual aids or verbal explanations. Respect their preferred language and consider any cultural nuances that may impact their understanding. Ensure that consent has been obtained for sharing information with relevant parties, such as family members or other healthcare providers.
Location and Timing of Services: Take into account the patient's preferences for where and when they receive their care. For example, they may prefer to receive services in the comfort of their own home or at a specific time of day that aligns with their daily routine. Respect their wishes regarding privacy and the level of involvement they desire during the provision of care.
Individualised Care Approaches: Tailor the care plan to the patient's unique needs and preferences. This may include incorporating specific cultural practices, traditions, or spiritual beliefs into their care. Respect their wishes regarding personal care routines, meal preferences, and any specific requests that contribute to their overall comfort and sense of self.
By considering these factors and involving the patient in the decision-making process, you can ensure that the care plan is aligned with their wishes for how services are delivered. This approach promotes dignity, autonomy, and respect for the patient, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of their care.
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Frequently asked questions
A care plan is a document that outlines your needs and goals. It contains details about your medical, social and emotional requirements and specifies how you wish your services to be delivered.
A care plan should include the tests, interventions, treatments and other activities needed to achieve the goals of care. It should also include emergency contacts and current general practitioner (GP) information.
You can make a care plan by working with the care recipient, their family, their authorised representatives and their GP or other health practitioners to discuss the plan. There are also free online courses, workshops and webinars available to increase your knowledge of care planning.
One example of a type of care plan is an emergency care plan, which includes advice on care provision during emergencies such as viral outbreaks or natural disasters.
Another type of care plan is an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP).











































