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Journal of General Internal Medicine Mar 2024Advance care planning (ACP) has been recognized as crucial by patients, families, and clinicians; however, different definitions and measurements have led to... (Review)
Review
Advance care planning (ACP) has been recognized as crucial by patients, families, and clinicians; however, different definitions and measurements have led to inconsistencies in practice and mixed evidence in the literature. This narrative review explores ACP's evolution, innovations, and outcomes using thematic analysis to synthesize data from randomized controlled trials, reviews, and editorials. Key findings include (1) ACP has evolved over the past several decades from a sole focus on code status and advance directive (AD) forms to a continuum of care planning over the life course focused on tailored preparation for patients and surrogate decision-makers and (2) ACP measurement has evolved from traditional outcome metrics, such as AD completion, to a comprehensive outcomes framework that includes behavior change theory, systems, implementation science, and a focus on surrogate outcomes. Since the recent development of an ACP consensus definition and outcomes framework, high-quality trials have reported mainly positive outcomes for interventions, especially for surrogates, which aligns with the patient desire to relieve decision-making burden for loved ones. Additionally, measurement of "clinically meaningful" ACP information, including documented goals of care discussions, is increasingly being integrated into electronic health records (EHR), and emerging, real-time assessments and natural language processing are enhancing ACP evaluation. To make things easier for patients, families, and care teams, clinicians and researchers can use and disseminate these evolved definitions; provide patients validated, easy-to-use tools that prime patients for conversations and decrease health disparities; use easy-to-access clinician training and simple scripts for interdisciplinary team members; and document patients' values and preferences in the medical record to capture clinically meaningful ACP so this information is available at the point of care. Future efforts should focus on efficient implementation, expanded reimbursement options, and seamless integration of EHR documentation to ensure ACP's continued evolution to better serve patients and their care partners.
Topics: Humans; Advance Care Planning; Advance Directives; Communication; Electronic Health Records; Documentation
PubMed: 38169025
DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08579-5 -
BMC Palliative Care Jan 2024Advance directives (ADs) has recently been considered as an important component of palliative care for patients with advanced cancer and is a legally binding directive...
INTRODUCTION
Advance directives (ADs) has recently been considered as an important component of palliative care for patients with advanced cancer and is a legally binding directive regarding a person's future medical care. It is used when a person is unable to participate in the decision-making process about their own care. Therefore, the present systematic review investigated the factors related to ADs from the perspective of cancer patients.
METHODS
A systematic review study was searched in four scientific databases: PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest using with related keywords and without date restrictions. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Hawker criterion. The research papers were analyzed as directed content analysis based on the theory of planned behavior.
RESULTS
Out of 5900 research papers found, 22 were included in the study. The perspectives of 9061 cancer patients were investigated, of whom 4347 were men and 4714 were women. The mean ± SD of the patients' age was 62.04 ± 6.44. According to TPB, factors affecting ADs were categorized into four categories, including attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and external factors affecting the model. The attitude category includes two subcategories: "Lack of knowledge of the ADs concept" and "Previous experience of the disease", the subjective norm category includes three subcategories: "Social support and interaction with family", "Respecting the patient's wishes" and "EOL care choices". Also, the category of perceived control behavior was categorized into two sub-categories: "Decision-making" and "Access to the healthcare system", as well as external factors affecting the model, including "socio-demographic characteristics".
CONCLUSION
The studies indicate that attention to EOL care and the wishes of patients regarding receiving medical care and preservation of human dignity, the importance of facilitating open communication between patients and their families, and different perspectives on providing information, communicating bad news and making decisions require culturally sensitive approaches. Finally, the training of cancer care professionals in the palliative care practice, promoting the participation of health care professionals in ADs activities and creating an AD-positive attitude should be strongly encouraged.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Advance Directives; Palliative Care; Health Personnel; Attitude; Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38166983
DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01327-w -
Medical Decision Making : An... Feb 2024Many widely used advance directives templates include direct questions on individuals' preferences for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of decision-making...
Overestimation of Survival Rates of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Is Associated with Higher Preferences to Be Resuscitated: Evidence from a National Survey of Older Adults in Switzerland.
BACKGROUND
Many widely used advance directives templates include direct questions on individuals' preferences for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of decision-making incapacity during medical emergencies. However, as knowledge of the survival rates of CPR is often limited, individuals' advance decisions on CPR may be poorly aligned with their preferences if false beliefs about the survival rates of CPR shape stated preferences for CPR.
METHODS
We analyzed nationally representative data from 1,469 adults aged 58+ y who responded to wave 8 (2019/2020) of the Swiss version of the Survey on Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) to assess the partial association between knowledge of CPR survival rates and stated preferences for CPR using multivariable probit regression models that adjust for social, health, and regional characteristics. Knowledge of CPR survival rates was assessed by asking how likely it is in general in Switzerland for a 70-y-old to survive until hospital discharge from a CPR performed outside of a hospital. Preferences for CPR were measured by asking respondents if they would wish to be resuscitated in case of cardiac arrest.
RESULTS
Only 9.3% of respondents correctly assessed the chances for a 70-y-old to survive until hospital discharge from a CPR performed outside of a hospital, while 65.2% indicated a preference to be resuscitated in case of a cardiac arrest. Respondents who correctly assessed CPR survival were significantly more likely to wish not to be resuscitated (average marginal effect: 0.18, < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Reducing misconceptions concerning the survival rates of CPR could change older adults' preferences for CPR and make them more likely to forgo such treatments.
HIGHLIGHTS
Many older adults in Switzerland overestimate the survival rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).The study reveals that individuals with accurate knowledge of CPR survival rates are more likely to refuse resuscitation in case of cardiac arrest.Overestimation of CPR survival rates may lead to a mismatch between individuals' preferences for CPR and their actual end-of-life care decisions.Improving the general population's knowledge of CPR survival rates is crucial to ensure informed decision making and effective advance care planning.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Switzerland; Survival Rate; Heart Arrest; Terminal Care
PubMed: 38156651
DOI: 10.1177/0272989X231218691 -
Palliative Medicine Reports 2023Advance care planning (ACP) is a valuable and proven approach for enhancing end-of-life communication and quality of life for individuals with heart failure (HF) and...
Advance care planning (ACP) is a valuable and proven approach for enhancing end-of-life communication and quality of life for individuals with heart failure (HF) and their family members. However, the adoption of ACP in practice is still lower than desired. According to University of California, Irvine Medical Center HF metrics, only 15.3% of hospitalized HF patients had completed ACP documentation before discharge, as recorded in the electronic medical record (EMR). This quality improvement project aimed to investigate whether the rate of ACP completion could be increased by utilizing EMR reminders to health care teams regarding individual patients. Personalized reminders were sent to providers for each hospitalized patient diagnosed with HF, who did not have existing ACP documentation in the EMR, to encourage completion of ACP documentation. Our findings have shown that, during the three-month intervention period, the average ACP completion rate was 21.0%. This represents a 5.7% absolute increase in ACP completion compared to the six months before our intervention (15.3%); a relative increase of 37.3%. Direct message reminders to providers prove to be an effective method for enhancing ACP completion among this specific patient group.
PubMed: 38155912
DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0035 -
PEC Innovation Dec 2024Most prior advance care planning (ACP) interventions lack integration of the social context of patients' ACP process, which patients indicate is critically important....
OBJECTIVES
Most prior advance care planning (ACP) interventions lack integration of the social context of patients' ACP process, which patients indicate is critically important. The current study developed the Planning Advance Care Together (PACT) website to foster inclusion of loved ones in the ACP process.
METHODS
To provide feedback about the PACT website, patients with advanced cancer ( = 11), their caregivers ( = 11), and experts ( = 10) participated in semi-structured interviews. Patients and caregivers also completed standardized ratings of acceptability and usability.
RESULTS
Overall, patient ( = 11) and caregiver ( = 11) ratings of acceptability and usability of the website exceeded benchmark cut-offs (≥24 on the Acceptability -Scale and ≥ 68 on the System Usability Scale). Patients, caregivers, and experts liked the topic of ACP but felt that it could be emotionally challenging. They recommended focusing more on planning and less on end of life. They appreciated being able to include loved ones and recommended adding resources for caregivers.
CONCLUSIONS
Study findings support the preliminary usability and acceptability of the PACT website. Findings will be used to inform a modified prototype of the PACT website that is interactive and ready for field testing with patients with advanced cancer and their loved ones.
INNOVATION
We utilized a novel application of the shared mind framework to support patients with advanced cancer in engaging their loved ones in the ACP process.
PubMed: 38145252
DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100245 -
BMC Palliative Care Dec 2023Hemodialysis holds the highest incidence and prevalence rate in Taiwan globally. However, the implementation of advance care planning (ACP), advance directives (AD), and...
BACKGROUND
Hemodialysis holds the highest incidence and prevalence rate in Taiwan globally. However, the implementation of advance care planning (ACP), advance directives (AD), and patient self-determination acts (PSDA) remains limited. Our objective was to examine the current status of ACP, AD and PSDA and potential opportunities for enhancement.
METHODS
We developed a novel questionnaire to assess individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and intentions regarding ACP, AD, and PSDA. We also collected baseline characteristics and additional inquiries for correlation analysis to identify potential factors. Student's t-test and Analysis of Variance were employed to assess significance.
RESULTS
Initially, a cohort of 241 patients was initially considered for inclusion in this study. Subsequently, 135 patients agreed to participate in the questionnaire study, resulting in 129 valid questionnaires. Among these respondents, 76 were male (59.9%), and 53 were female (41.1%). Only 13.2% had signed AD. A significant portion (85.3%) indicated that they had not discussed their dialysis prognosis with healthcare providers. Additionally, a mere 14% engaged in conversations about life-threatening decisions. Ninety percent believed that healthcare providers had not furnished information about ACP, and only 30% had discussed such choices with their families. The findings revealed that the average standardized score for ACP and AD goals was 84.97, while the attitude towards PSDA received a standardized score of 69.94. The intention score stood at 69.52 in standardized terms. Potential candidates for ACP initiation included individuals aged 50 to 64, possessing at least a college education, being unmarried, and having no history of diabetes.
CONCLUSION
Patients undergoing hemodialysis exhibited a significant knowledge gap concerning ACP, AD, and the PSDA. Notably, a substantial number of dialytic patients had not received adequate information on these subjects. Nevertheless, they displayed a positive attitude, and a considerable proportion expressed a willingness to sign AD. It is imperative for nephrologists to take an active role in initiating ACP discussions with patients from the very beginning.
Topics: United States; Humans; Male; Female; Patient Self-Determination Act; Intention; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Advance Directives; Advance Care Planning; Renal Dialysis
PubMed: 38097993
DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01321-2 -
Cureus Nov 2023Background Shared decision-making is important for deciding whether to perform surgery, especially high-risk surgery, or end-of-life care in cases of serious...
Background Shared decision-making is important for deciding whether to perform surgery, especially high-risk surgery, or end-of-life care in cases of serious complications after the surgery. In shared decision-making, surgeons should be aware of patients' values. Therefore, advance care planning (ACP) before the surgery is important. In Japan, the feasibility of ACP, particularly preoperative nurse-led ACP, is yet to be evaluated. Methodology This retrospective, single-center, descriptive study included all adult candidates for open-heart or thoracic aortic surgery and transcutaneous aortic valve implantation (TAVI) referred by their surgeon for a nurse-led preoperative ACP between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. The nurse conducted semi-structured interviews with patients regarding goals of care, unacceptable conditions, undesired procedures, advance directives, and their surrogates and documented them. The content of these interviews and their influence on decision-making were retrospectively investigated. Results Sixty-four patients (median age, 82 years; Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score, 7.9; EuroSCORE II, 4.2; JapanSCORE, 7.0) were included (open-heart or thoracic aortic surgery 24, TAVI 40). Among them, 63 (98.4%), 56 (87.5%), and 13 (20.3%) patients articulated their goals of care, unacceptable conditions, and undesired procedures. Only one (1.6%) had a written advance directive. Although all of the patients could designated their surrogate, only 11 (17.2%) had shared their values disclosed in the pre-procedure ACP communication with their surrogates. Two patients who planned to undergo open-heart surgery disclosed their wish not to undergo the surgery only to the nurses but could not tell their surgeon; thereafter, the surgery was canceled. Three patients died after the procedure; however, the patients' value disclosed in ACP was not used for the end-of-life decision. Conclusion Nurse-led ACP can be implemented before high-risk cardiac procedures. It may have an impact on the decision-making of surgery although the ACP content may not be utilized for the end-of-life discussion after the procedures between surgeons and the family member.
PubMed: 38060714
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48347 -
Indian Journal of Palliative Care 2023Contemporary medical ethics requires providing healthcare services in accordance with the patient's values, preferences and interests based on the rights to... (Review)
Review
Contemporary medical ethics requires providing healthcare services in accordance with the patient's values, preferences and interests based on the rights to self-determination and privacy. Incapacitated patients utilise these rights through substitute decision-makers in light of the substituted judgement and best interest standards. In this context, the article aims to briefly study informed consent and focus on protecting incapacitated patients' rights and best interests. The article underscores the importance of promoting the autonomy of every patient as much as possible. However, in the case of the lack of decisional capacity and advance directives, surrogates should decide for incapacitated patients based on patients' known/documented/expressed wishes/ preferences and best interests. Nevertheless, due to the high possibility of the misinterpretation of patients' values, preferences and interests by surrogates as well as potential financial and social conflicts between patients and their surrogates, in the event of medical procedures with serious consequences, such as life-sustaining support, surrogates should be requested to provide convincing evidence proving that their decisions are in line with the patient's values, preferences and interests.
PubMed: 38058482
DOI: 10.25259/IJPC_173_2022 -
Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences Dec 2023This article discusses advance statements in mental health care, which allow individuals with mental disorders to express their preferences for treatment during mental...
This article discusses advance statements in mental health care, which allow individuals with mental disorders to express their preferences for treatment during mental health crises. Despite the evidence supporting their effectiveness, their implementation in clinical practice remains limited. This article explores variations among advance statements, such as psychiatric advance directives (PADs), joint crisis plans (JCPs) and self-binding directives (SBDs), highlighting their content, development process and legal status. We outline the benefits of advance statements, including empowerment, early intervention, improved therapeutic relationships and reduced compulsory admissions. We then draw attention to the challenges that may contribute to their lack of implementation, including legal complexities, communication issues, cultural factors, potential inequities, healthcare provider knowledge, changing preferences, resource constraints, crisis responses, data privacy, family involvement, and long-term evaluation. In conclusion, advance statements offer significant benefits but require addressing these critical aspects to ensure ethical and effective use. Bridging the evidence-to-practice gap is essential, with a focus on implementation science. Integrating these tools into routine clinical practice can significantly benefit individuals with severe mental disorders and mental health systems.
Topics: Humans; Professional Practice Gaps; Mental Disorders; Advance Directives; Mental Health Services; Mental Health
PubMed: 38053411
DOI: 10.1017/S2045796023000835 -
Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open 2023The burden of geriatric trauma continues to rise. Older trauma patients experience higher morbidity and mortality and thus benefit from early goals of care (GOC)...
OBJECTIVES
The burden of geriatric trauma continues to rise. Older trauma patients experience higher morbidity and mortality and thus benefit from early goals of care (GOC) discussions and advance care planning (ACP). The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) recommends holding a family meeting within 72 hours of admission when treating geriatric trauma patients. At our level I trauma center, we sought to increase early GOC discussions by implementing a new history and physical (H&P) note template for geriatric trauma patients.
METHODS
Patients (aged >65 years) admitted to the trauma surgery service (≥24 hours) were included in the study. The intervention was a change in the H&P note template to include confirmation of code status or previous ACP and identification of a healthcare proxy. Primary outcomes were the rates of recognizing a pre-existing Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) status/advanced directives at admission and of documentation of a GOC discussion within 72 hours. Outcomes from a 3-month period (March-May) during the pre-intervention (2021) and post-intervention (2022) periods were compared.
RESULTS
The pre-intervention and post-intervention groups had 107 and 150 patients, respectively. We observed an increase in recognition of pre-existing DNR code status at time of admission from 50% to 95% (p=0.003) and documentation of a GOC discussion within 72 hours from 17% to 83% (p<0.0001). We also observed a trend showing that new DNR orders were placed more frequently in the post-intervention period (9% vs 17%, p=0.098). The in-hospital mortality was not significantly different.
CONCLUSIONS
The importance of GOC discussions and ACP documentation for geriatric trauma patients is evident, but its completion can be challenging. Our intervention of a new H&P note template increased GOC discussions, and this implementation may be feasible in other trauma centers to comply with the ACS-TQIP Geriatric Trauma Management Guidelines.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III.
PubMed: 38020856
DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2022-001058