Day of Conversation

The Day of Conversation is an annual UPMC campaign intended to spur conversations about advance care planning. Advance care planning involves making decisions about the type of medical care you would want, and who you would want to make decisions for you, should you be unable to speak for yourself. Held in April, in conjunction with National Health Care Decisions Day, advance care planning conversations engage family members and health care providers so that important health care decisions can be made before you are unable to make them.

While many people find it difficult to discuss end-of-life issues, having a conversation now, before a crisis, is much easier and more valuable than waiting until you are ill. The conversation allows you to make decisions about your care that reflect your wishes and your values. Additionally, it is a profound expression of caring that can relieve family members of the burden of uncertainty.

The Beckwith Institute is proud to support UPMC in this initiative. This year’s campaign is directed to employees across the entire UPMC system. By calling attention to the conversation and identifying internal resources and experts that can assist in having these conversations in both their professional and personal lives, UPMC and The Beckwith Institute encourage staff to “Just Talk About It.” The elements of the campaign include a promotional video, a series of articles on UPMC’s Infonet,  and reference tool print pieces for both clinicians and non-clinical staff. Additionally, “Just Talk About It” pop sockets are available for clinicians.

Resources

In support of UPMC’s annual “Day of Conversation” awareness campaign related to advance care planning, The Beckwith Institute is pleased to offer pop sockets for clinicians. Intended to sustain awareness of the importance of these discussions and decisions, this smart phone accessory can serve additionally as a conversation starter for curious staff, patients, and families.

To place an order for the pop socket pictured here at no cost, please contact Cassi Heinle,heinlecm@upmc.edu. Please note supplies are limited. 

We appreciate the role clinicians play in helping patients and families “just talk about it.” Should you have questions about resources, training, and education related to advance care planning conversations, please contact the UPMC Palliative and Supportive Institute or search “advance care planning” on Infonet.

View our Advance Care Planning Brochure (PDF)

Learn more about starting the conversation from UPMC

Does Your Treatment Plan Align with the Patient’s Wishes? (PDF)

Contact Us

Questions about UPMC’s “Just Talk About It” Campaign can be directed to Cassandra Heinle at heinlecm@upmc.edu