The effectiveness of interventions to increase advance directive completion rates

Are Canadians providing advance directives about health care and research participation in the event of decisional incapacity?

OBJECTIVE

Advance planning for health care and research participation has been promoted as a mechanism to retain some control over one's life, and ease substitute decision making, in the event of decisional incapacity. Limited data are available on Canadians' current advance planning activities. We conducted a postal survey to estimate the frequency with which Canadians communicate their preferences about health care and research should they become incapacitated.

METHOD

We surveyed 5 populations (older adults, informal caregivers, physicians, researchers in aging, and research ethics board members) from Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. We asked respondents whether they had expressed their preferences regarding a substitute decision maker, health care, and research participation in the event of incapacity.

RESULTS

Two out of 3 respondents (62.0%; 95% CI 59.1% to 64.8%) had been advised to communicate their health care preferences in advance. Oral expression of wishes was reported by 69.1% of respondents (95% CI 66.8% to 71.3%), and written expression by 46.7% (95% CI 44.3% to 49.2%). Among respondents who had expressed wishes in advance (orally or in writing), 91.2% had chosen a substitute decision maker, 80.9% had voiced health care preferences, and 19.5% had voiced preferences regarding research participation. Having been advised to communicate wishes was a strong predictor of the likelihood of having done so.

CONCLUSIONS

Advance planning has increased over the last 2 decades in Canada. Nonetheless, further efforts are needed to encourage Canadians to voice their health care and research preferences in the event of incapacity. Physicians are well situated to promote advance planning to Canadians.

Applying the Transtheoretical Model to Health Care Proxy Completion

Background. For many, an important health decision is whether or not to document end-of-life wishes using an advance directive (e.g., health care proxy). To date, interventions targeting this health behavior have had little effect on increasing advance directive completion rates. Health behavior models, such as the transtheoretical model (TTM) could be useful for understanding the health decision-making processes used along a continuum, from no intention to complete an advance directive to completing one and discussing it with an appointed advocate. Purpose. To explore the applicability of the TTM for a previously understudied health behavior—completing a health care proxy (HCP). Method. Four established TTM measures for completing a HCP (stages of change, processes of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy) were administered to 566 adults with coverage from 1 of 2 health insurance companies. Separate analyses of variance were used to test the relationships between the independent variable (stages of change) and dependent variables (processes of change, decisional balance, self-efficacy scores). Results. Consistent with other TTM research both the experiential and the behavioral processes of change revealed the lowest scores in the precontemplation stage peaking in the preparation stage. The pattern of pros and cons was replicated from previous TTM studies, with the 2 scores crossing over just prior to the preparation stage. Self-efficacy scores incrementally increased across the stages of change with the largest effect evident from the precontemplation to preparation stage. Conclusion. The models developed from this study can be used to guide the development of stage-based interventions for promoting health care proxy completion.

Determinants of treatment intensity for patients with serious illness: a new conceptual framework

BACKGROUND

Research during the past few decades has greatly advanced our understanding of the cost, quality, and variability of medical care at the end of life. The current health-care policy debate has focused considerable attention on the unsustainable rate of spending and wide regional variation associated with medical treatments in the last year of life. New initiatives aim to standardize quality and reduce over-utilization at the end of life. We argue, however, that focusing exclusively on medical treatment at the end of life is not likely to lead to effective health-care policy reform or reduce costs. Specifically, end-of-life policy initiatives face the challenges of political feasibility, inaccurate prognostication, and gaps in the existing literature.

OBJECTIVES

With the ultimate aim of improving the quality and efficiency of care, we propose a research and policy agenda guided by a new conceptual framework of factors associated with treatment intensity for patients with serious and complicated medical illness. This model not only expands the population of interest to include all adults with serious illness, but also provides a blueprint for the thorough investigation of the diverse and interconnected determinants of treatment intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

The new conceptual framework presented in this paper can be used to develop future research and policy initiatives designed to improve the quality and efficiency of care for adults with serious illness.

Effect of a disease-specific planning intervention on surrogate understanding of patient goals for future medical treatment

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether a disease-specific planning process can improve surrogate understanding of goals of patients with life-limiting illnesses for future medical treatments.

DESIGN

A multisite randomized controlled trial conducted between January 1, 2004 and July 31, 2007.

SETTING

Six outpatient clinics of large community or university health systems in three Wisconsin cities.

PARTICIPANTS

Competent, English-speaking adults aged 18 and older with chronic congestive heart failure or chronic renal disease and their surrogate decision-makers.

INTERVENTION

Trained health professionals conducted a structured, patient-centered interview intended to promote informed decision-making and to result in the completion of a document clarifying the goals of the patient with regard to four disease-specific health outcome situations and the degree of decision-making latitude granted to the surrogate.

MEASUREMENTS

Surrogate understanding of patient goals for care with regard to four expected, disease-specific outcomes situations and of the degree of surrogate latitude in decision-making.

RESULTS

Three hundred thirteen patient-surrogate pairs completed the study. As measured according to kappa scores and in all four situations and in the degree of latitude, intervention group surrogates demonstrated a significantly higher degree of understanding of patient goals than control group surrogates. Intervention group kappa scores ranged from 0.61 to 0.78, whereas control group kappa scores ranged from 0.07 to 0.28.

CONCLUSION

Surrogates in the intervention group had a significantly better understanding of patient goals and preferences than surrogates in the control group. This finding is the first step toward ensuring that patient goals for care are known and honored.

Advance care planning for patients with ALS: feasibility of an interactive computer program

This pilot study examined whether an interactive, computer based decision aid can help patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) engage in effective advance care planning. Individuals being treated for ALS (>18 years old, English speaking, and without dementia) were recruited to use a decision aid and complete pre-/post-intervention measures. Seventeen individuals completed the pre-intervention questionnaires and decision aid; 16/17 (94%) completed the post-intervention measures, and none reported any burden from the intervention. 'Overall satisfaction' with the decision aid was very high (mean = 8.5 ± 0.27: 1 = not at all satisfied, 10 = extremely satisfied), as was 'perceived accuracy' of the computer generated advance directive in reflecting patients' wishes (mean = 8.6 ± 0.27: 1 = not at all accurate, 10 = extremely accurate). Participants judged the 'amount of information' provided by the intervention appropriate (mean = 6.8 ± 0.38: 1 = too little, 5 = about right, 10 = too much), and on a detailed, 12-item assessment judged the decision aid very positively (mean = 4.16 ± 0.16: 1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied). The intervention prompted many participants to discuss advance care planning with loved ones and to share their computer generated advance directive with their physician. This study demonstrates that individuals with ALS can successfully complete a computer based decision aid for advance care planning, and suggests that this intervention can help promote effective advance care planning.

Interventions to promote the use of advance directives: an overview of systematic reviews

OBJECTIVE

To identify, appraise and synthesise the results of systematic reviews of the literature (SRLs) that examines the effectiveness of interventions to increase advance directive (AD) completion rate.

METHODS

Narrative review of the literature-an overview of SRLs focused on interventions to improve patients' AD completion rate.

RESULTS

Seven SRLs were located. A wide range of interventions was identified in order to determine their influence on the AD completion rate.

CONCLUSION

The most effective method of increasing the use of ADs is the combination of informative material and repeated conversations over clinical visits. The use of passive informative material in isolation does not significantly increase AD completion rates. However, when interactive informative interventions are employed, the AD completion rate increases and the majority of the studies identify multiple sessions as the most effective method for direct interaction between patients and health care professionals.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The progressive ageing of the population and the provision of quality care during the process of ageing and dying, have given rise to the Governments' interest in developing moral autonomy and regulating tools as ADs. In order to put legislation into practice it is necessary to set up successful interventions to expand ADs use.

Primary care and dementia: 2. Long-term care at home: psychosocial interventions, information provision, carer support and case management

OBJECTIVE

To write a narrative review of the role of primary care physicians in the long-term care of people with dementia living at home, with a focus on psychosocial interventions, the provision of information and carer support, behavioural and psychological symptoms and case management.

METHODS

The systematic review carried out for the NICE/SCIE Guidelines was updated from January 2006, Cochrane Reviews were identified and other publications found by consultations with experts.

RESULTS

In primary care, the long-term care of people with dementia living at home can be structured around several key themes: reframing dementia with a focus on a social model of disability; active use of information sources; supporting carers (caregivers); the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms and a structured case management approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Caring for people with dementia in primary care demands the same systematic approach as the management of other long-term conditions. The systematic follow-up of both people with dementia and their carers should be integrated into primary care. Reframing dementia, with an emphasis on abilities retained may allow people with dementia and their families to develop more effective coping strategies; an increase in skill mix within primary care is required to deliver this and may also improve the management of behavioural problems. The potential benefits of person-centred interventions, like advance care planning, and alternative models of service delivery, such as a structured, collaborative care approach which promotes integrated case management within primary care, require further evaluation.

Opiniones: end-of-life care preferences and planning of older Latinos

OBJECTIVES

To measure end-of-life (EOL) care preferences and advance care planning (ACP) in older Latinos and to examine the relationship between culture-based attitudes and extent of ACP.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional interview.

SETTING

Twenty-two senior centers in greater Los Angeles.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred forty-seven Latinos aged 60 and older.

MEASUREMENTS

EOL care preferences, extent of ACP, attitudes regarding patient autonomy, family-centered decision-making, trust in healthcare providers, and health and sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

If seriously ill, 84% of participants would prefer medical care focused on comfort rather than care focused on extending life, yet 47% had never discussed such preferences with their family or doctor, and 77% had no advance directive. Most participants favored family-centered decision making (64%) and limited patient autonomy (63%). Greater acculturation, education, and desire for autonomy were associated with having an advance directive (P-values <.03). Controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, greater acculturation (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.1-2.4) and preferring greater autonomy (AOR=1.6, 95% CI=1.1-2.3) were independently associated with having an advance directive.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of older Latinos studied preferred less-aggressive, comfort-focused EOL care, yet few had documented or communicated this preference. This discrepancy places older Latinos at risk of receiving high-intensity care inconsistent with their preferences.

The State of the Science: Informing choices across the cancer journey with public health mechanisms and decision processes

Health decisions involve sharing information and making choices-even if the choice is to leave the decision to others. The way that information is delivered and understood by consumers across their cancer journey in turn influences the health decisions they take. A public health approach to the cancer journey considers the information needs of individuals and the structures and systems that facilitate the provision of credible and timely information. This paper examines emerging research that takes a public health approach to promote information-sharing and health decisions, identifies information-sharing mechanisms used by providers to facilitate shared decisions and evaluates decision support processes designed to improve information-sharing and self-care events. Evidence is presented to guide future research directions.

Patient preferences for future care--how can Advance Care Planning become embedded into dementia care: a study protocol

BACKGROUND

People living with a long term condition may wish to be able to plan ahead, so that if in future they cannot make decisions, their wishes about their care will be known; this process is termed Advance Care Planning (ACP). In dementia, guidance stipulates that ACP discussions should take place whilst the person still has capacity to make decisions. However there is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of ACP in influencing patient choice and resource use. The aims of this study are to determine the effectiveness of ACP in dementia care, identify the factors which facilitate the process in practice and provide a better understanding of the views and experiences of key stakeholders in order to inform clinical practice.

METHODS/DESIGN

The four phase project comprises a systematic review (Phase 1) and a series of qualitative studies (Phases 2 and 3), with data collection via focus groups and individual interviews with relevant stakeholders including people with dementia and their carers, health and social care professionals and representatives from voluntary organisations and the legal profession. The conduct of the systematic review will follow current best practice guidance. In phases 2 and 3, focus groups will be employed to seek the perspectives of the professionals; individual interviews will be carried out with people with dementia and their carers. Data from Phases 1, 2 and 3 will be synthesised in a series of team workshops to develop draft guidance and educational tools for implementing ACP in practice (Phase 4).

DISCUSSION

In the UK, there is little published research on the effectiveness of ACP, despite its introduction into policy. This study was designed to explore in greater depth how ACP can best be carried out in routine practice. It affords the opportunity to develop both a theoretical and practical understanding of an area which both patients and professionals may find emotionally challenging. Importantly the study will also develop practical tools, which are grounded in practice, for all relevant stakeholders to enable the facilitation of timely and sensitive ACP discussions.

Psychometric testing of four transtheoretical model questionnaires for the behavior, completing health care proxies

The purpose of the study was to develop four questionnaires based on the transtheoretical model (TTM) to assess the behavior, completing a healthcare proxy (HCP). The aims were to (a) operationalize the four TTM constructs for completing a HCP and (b) evaluate the psychometric properties of the questionnaires. The questionnaires were constructed and content validity established using an expert panel. Internal consistency values for each questionnaire and subscales within each questionnaire were >.79. Confirmatory factor analysis provided evidence that decisional balance and the processes of change questionnaires each contained two factors. Our data support validity and reliability of the TTM questionnaires related to HCP completion.

Advance Care Planning: An opportunity for person-centred care for people living with dementia

Many people want to be able to plan ahead, so that if in the future they cannot make decisions or do things, their wishes will be known. This is called Advance Care Planning (ACP). Although it is part of official NHS policy (NHS End of Life Care Planning), ACP is hardly ever done, and it may become more difficult once a person has memory problems. In the UK, there is very little research into ACP. By the time someone has signs of dementia, families often become involved. We are uncertain how this affects ACP and the views of the person with dementia, particularly with the new Mental Capacity Act which allow families to comment on health, as well as financial, issues. Our study will be exploring the area of ACP, especially in dementia, by

• looking at the experience of other countries through a systematic review of the existing literature;

• finding out what people who have carried out ACP in this country think through interviews and focus groups;

• considering what factors might help professionals to encourage the process of ACP in practice; and

• looking at how ACP might be done better for people with dementia.

The ultimate aim of our study is to produce guidance on ACP for both people with dementia, their families and health care professionals.

Engaging homeless persons in end of life preparations

BACKGROUND

There are no prospective studies that have investigated the effects of an intervention to improve end of life (EOL) care in an underserved population.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether homeless persons will complete an advance directive (AD).

DESIGN

Randomized trial comparing two modes of providing an opportunity for homeless persons to complete an AD. Half of the subjects were randomized to a self-guided group (SG) who were given an AD and written instructions; the other half were given the same material but, in addition, were offered the opportunity to receive guidance to complete the AD (CG).

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-nine homeless persons recruited from a drop-in center.

MEASURES

Rate of AD completion and baseline and 3-month follow-up EOL-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.

RESULTS

The overall AD completion rate was 44%, with a statistically significant higher completion rate of 59% in the CG group compared to 30% in the self-guided only group. Frequency of worry about death decreased among those who filled out an AD from 50% to 12.5%, and also among those who did not (25% to 12.5%) (p < .05). Among those who filled out an AD, there were increases in plans to write down EOL wishes (56% to 100%; p < .05) and plans to talk about these wishes with someone (63% to 94%; p < .05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that people living in dire economic and social situations will complete an AD when offered the opportunity. While offering guidance resulted in higher rates of completion; even a simple self-guided AD process can achieve completion of ADs in this population.

Development of an interactive computer program for advance care planning

OBJECTIVE

To describe the development of an innovative, multi-media decision aid for advance care planning.

BACKGROUND

Advance care planning is an important way for people to articulate their wishes for medical care when they are not able to speak for themselves. Living wills and other types of advance directives are the most commonly used tools for advance care planning, but have been criticized for being vague, difficult to interpret, and inconsistent with individuals' core beliefs and values.

RESULTS

We developed a multimedia, computer-based decision aid for advance care planning ('Making Your Wishes Known: Planning Your Medical Future') to overcome many of the limitations of standard advance directive forms. This computer program guides individuals through the process of advance care planning, and unlike standard advance directives, provides tailored education, values clarification exercises, and a decision-making tool that translates an individual's values and preferences into a specific medical plan that can be implemented by a health-care team. Pilot testing with 50 adult volunteers recruited from an outpatient primary care clinic showed high levels of satisfaction with the program. Further pilot testing with 34 cancer patients indicated that the program was perceived to be highly accurate at representing patients' wishes.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper describes the development of an innovative decision aid for advance care planning that was designed to overcome common problems with standard advance directives. Preliminary testing suggests that it is acceptable to users and is accurate.

Innovative solutions: taking advance directives to the community

Less than 25% of Americans have completed an advance directive. This article lists some of the barriers to why people do not have advanced directives and concludes with a description of a program by one hospital to educate the public about the importance of these documents.

Advance Directive Decision Making Among Independent Community-Dwelling Older Adults

The purpose of this systematic review of health science literature was to examine the current state of science regarding advance directive decision making (ADDM) among independent community-dwelling older adults. Seventeen studies fitting study inclusion criteria established for the purpose of this systematic review were examined. Findings revealed that ADDM has predominantly been explored among widowed, divorced, or never married female Caucasian independent community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older possessing a high school level of education. Numerous older adult/health care provider barriers to advance directive discussion and completion were found to exist. There is a lack of research regarding ADDM among independent community-dwelling male older adults, older adults from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and older adults receiving lower levels of education. Study replication and the implementation of new studies are needed to strengthen the existing body of older adult, advance directive, evidence-based research.