Some of the most valuable educational resources aren’t always the newest, they’re the ones that continue to make an impact.
In July 2025, SDAHO partnered with Melissa Schilousky, MSN, FNP-C, CNP, Palliative Medicine, Avera Medical Group, to develop an on-demand Advance Directive Training Video designed to help health care professionals better understand advance care planning and the role advance directives play in honoring patients’ health care wishes.
As a reminder to our members, this educational resource remains available and continues to serve as an excellent tool for new employee orientation, annual staff education, and ongoing professional development. The training also includes a pre-test and post-test, making it easy for organizations to incorporate into their education programs and measure learning outcomes.
Throughout the training, viewers are reminded why these conversations matter through Schilousky’s messaging:
“Advance care planning is the process of discussing and preparing for future decisions about someone’s medical care if they become seriously ill or unable to communicate their wishes.”
“Completion of Advance Directives leads to improved patient satisfaction because care is aligned with their values and preferences.”
The course also reinforces that advance directives are not just for older adults.
“A medical crisis can occur at any time and can leave someone unable to communicate their wishes.”
Whether you’re welcoming new staff members, completing annual education requirements, or looking to strengthen patient-centered care within your organization, this on-demand training offers practical guidance that health care professionals can immediately apply in their work.
If you haven’t revisited this resource recently, now is a great time. Click here to begin the process. Watch the training, complete the accompanying pre- and post-test, and consider sharing it with your colleagues as part of your organization’s ongoing education efforts. Helping patients communicate their wishes today can make a meaningful difference for them—and their families—tomorrow.
