How can I raise these issues without scaring patients?

You can raise advance care planning as one of many health promotion activities. These discussions are aimed at avoiding harms (over- and undertreatment), and promoting benefits (treatments tailored to the patient’s goals). You should reassure the patient that raising this issue does not mean that there is something unspoken to worry about. You also may tell the patient that this topic is difficult for many patients and that you will understand if she does not want to come to any conclusions during this discussion.

You can raise advance care planning as one of many health promotion activities. These discussions are aimed at avoiding harms (over- and undertreatment), and promoting benefits (treatments tailored to the patient’s goals). You should reassure the patient that raising this issue does not mean that there is something unspoken to worry about. You also may tell the patient that this topic is difficult for many patients and that you will understand if she does not want to come to any conclusions during this discussion.