Could we start planning ahead earlier? This question is asked by Dr Sonya Bushell as part of a research study and the results have implications for us all. Listen in to find out about Sonya’s research, what inspired the work and how we can shift planning ahead from a medical to a societal model.

Key messages

• Sonya shares her family experiences of dementia and catalysts for her research and work.

• We discuss crisis-focused hospital care that ignores the “bigger picture”.

• People are more open to planning ahead than clinicians often believe.

• Many patients wait for professionals to start advance care planning conversations.

• Professionals often treat Advance Care Planning as late-stage end-of-life paperwork.

• Wills and lasting power of attorney are common, practical “planning ahead” actions.

• There is a communication gap: both public and clinicians expect the other to initiate ACP.

• In Sonya’s research, participants discussed three forms of ACP: proactive planning, preparing for change, and discussing the end of life. 

• Sonia’s infographic shows ACP as a continuous, life-long process.

• We emphasize the  societal and community triggers for ACP, not only medical ones.

• Sonya discusses planning ahead as proactive planning, preparing for change, end-of-life discussions.

• We share concern that that ReSPECT is reduced to a DNACPR form, losing its holistic intent & understanding that a person can be for resuscitation as part of a ReSPECT discussion.

Resource

• Read Sonya’s research: Attitudes to earlier advance care planning: a qualitative interview study in general practice 

• Find out more about the Waiting Room Revolution

• Access resource from Compassion in Dying 

Bio

Dr Sonya Bushell graduated from the University of Leeds in 2021. During her Academic Foundation Programme, she completed a research placement with the Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre (Hull York Medical School).

Her qualitative research exploring early advance care planning amongst people living with chronic conditions was published by the British Journal of General Practice. 

Sonya currently works for an oncology/medical ward at Scarborough General Hospital, and also for the inpatient unit at St Catherine’s Hospice, Scarborough. She starts an Academic Clinical Fellowship in General Practice in August 2026 and intends to become a GP with a special interest in palliative care. 

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, climbing, wild swimming, and exploring!