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Yeoh LH, Tan B, Rhee J, Sinclair C. Attitudes and Perceptions on Advance Care Planning Among Chinese-Speaking Older Australians. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:814-823. [PMID: 37658638 PMCID: PMC11070119 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231200366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current literature indicates low uptake of advance care planning (ACP) among the Chinese-speaking community in Australia. To increase the uptake of ACP among the Chinese-speaking community, a better understanding of their attitudes and perceptions on end-of-life (EOL) matters, and ACP is required. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify significant events and social and cultural factors that influence participants' values and characterize the attitudes and perceptions towards ACP among older Chinese-speaking Australians. METHODS A qualitative study explored participants' experiences through semi-structured one-to-one interviews. The interviews were conducted in Mandarin, Cantonese or English, then translated and transcribed into English. The transcripts were coded and analysed thematically. RESULTS Twenty participants were recruited (14 female, six male). Participants typically reported a preference to make health-related decisions autonomously. Their perspectives were grounded in past experiences of illnesses and EOL decision-making of loved ones, personal values, and perceived needs. Family dynamics and intimacy of relationships appeared to influence the role and responsibility of family members in EOL decision-making and ACP. Most participants perceived the need to engage in ACP only when encountering significant health changes or higher care needs. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals should initiate ACP discussion using culturally appropriate communication with consideration of personal values, past experiences and family dynamics. Efforts should be invested in raising public awareness of ACP within the Chinese-Australian community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling H. Yeoh
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Benjamin Tan
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Joel Rhee
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Craig Sinclair
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- UNSW Ageing Futures Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Paulik O, Whitaker R, Mesuria M, Wong D, Swanson K, Green H, Sikhosana N, Fernandez R. Implementation and evaluation of the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT™) in acute care. Australas J Ageing 2024. [PMID: 38558296 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.13308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT™) has been used to identify patients at risk of deteriorating and dying within 1 year. Early identification and integration of advance care planning (ACP) provides the opportunity for a better quality of life for patients. The aims of this study were to identify the number of patients who were SPICT™ positive; their mortality rates at 6 and 12 months of the SPICT™ assessment; and level of adherence to ACP documentation. METHODS A retrospective audit of the Supportive and Palliative Care database was conducted at an acute aged care precinct in a major metropolitan tertiary referral hospital in New South Wales, Australia. Data comprising demographics, clinical conditions, SPICT™ positivity and compliance with ACP documentation were collected. SPICT™-positive patients and mortality were tracked at 6 and 12 months, respectively. RESULTS Data from 153 patients were collected. The mean age of the patients was 84.1 (±7.8) years, and the length of hospital stay was 10 (±24.7) (range 1-269) days. Approximately 37% were from residential care, and 80% had family deciding on their care. About 15% died during hospitalisation, and 48% were discharged to a care facility. The ACP documentation showed various levels of completion. Mortality rates at 6 and 12 months were 36% and 39%, respectively. Most patients (99%) were SPICT™-positive, with indicators correlating with higher mortality rates at both follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS The study emphasises the critical need for addressing ACP and palliative care among older patients with life-limiting conditions. It underscores the importance of timely discussions, documentation, and cessation of futile interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Paulik
- St George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | - Debbie Wong
- St George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katie Swanson
- St George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Heidi Green
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values (ACHEEV), School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nqobile Sikhosana
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ritin Fernandez
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Macedo JC, Rego F, Nunes R. Perceptions, Attitudes, and Knowledge toward Advance Directives: A Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2755. [PMID: 37893829 PMCID: PMC10606563 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Advance directives are an expression of a person's autonomy regarding end-of-life care. Several studies have shown that the level of completion in countries where advance directives are legalised is low. To better understand this phenomenon, it is important to know the perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge that the population has about this instrument. The aim of this article was to explore a population's perceptions and/or attitudes and/or knowledge toward advance directives. (2) Methods: A search was conducted in March 2023 in the ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and PubMed databases using the following keywords: "advance care directives", "advance care planning", "perceptions", "attitudes", and "knowledge". Two hundred and twenty-four (224) articles were identified, and thirteen (13) were included for analysis. (3) Results: The selected articles point to a low level of knowledge toward advance directives: they recognise a strong positive attitude of the population toward the implementation of advance directives but a low level of achievement. (4) Conclusions: Studies on perceptions/attitudes/knowledge toward advance directives are important to understand the real needs of the population regarding this issue and to implement more adequate and effective promotion and dissemination measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Carlos Macedo
- Nursing School, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Av. Bissaya Barreto, 3046-851 Coimbra, Portugal
- Research Centre for Justice and Governance (JusGov), School of Law, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Francisca Rego
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Rui Nunes
- Center of Bioethics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
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Johnston B. A Revised Approach to Advance Personal Planning: The Role of Theory in Achieving "The Good Result". JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2023; 20:421-431. [PMID: 37249743 PMCID: PMC10624737 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-023-10263-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This article explores traditional views of advance care planning in the broader context of advance personal planning, which also accounts for legal and financial matters. Criticisms of existing processes are noted, while the significance of interprofessional collaboration is highlighted. Reframing the purpose of advance personal planning as planning for the rest of life, rather than the end-of-life, and adopting a more holistic perspective informed by theory may help individuals to view advance personal planning as a routine, preventative exercise that safeguards their autonomy and well-being. Both lawyers and healthcare providers have an important role to play in reframing the purpose of advance personal planning. This revised approach is underpinned by the unification of two separate theoretical lenses: Preventive Law Theory and Therapeutic Jurisprudence. This combination enhances our understanding of what it means for people to truly achieve "the good result" (Holtz 2017) when planning ahead for their future legal, financial, health, and personal interests. Preventive Law Theory encourages an ongoing, collaborative relationship between lawyers and their clients, or healthcare providers and their patients, while Therapeutic Jurisprudence ensures an ethical approach to advance personal planning that accounts for all aspects of the individual's well-being, including consideration of vulnerability, autonomy, and empowerment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briony Johnston
- University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Law, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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Sinclair C, Mann J, Reymond L, Sansome X. Advance Care Planning in Australia: Progress in research and implementation. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR EVIDENZ, FORTBILDUNG UND QUALITAT IM GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2023; 180:111-114. [PMID: 37394334 DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2023.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Advance Care Planning in Australia has its foundations in the Respecting Patient Choices model, which was initially implemented in one state. The Australian population is diverse, ageing and geographically dispersed, with health and aged care services provided by a range of different organisations and regulated at different levels. Key challenges in ACP implementation include discomfort with ACP discussion, inconsistent legislation and ACP documentation across jurisdictions, poor quality control of ACP documents and difficulties accessing ACP documents at the point of care. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a range of issues but also led to some innovative practices which have continued after the relaxation of public health restrictions. Ongoing implementation work focuses on meeting the needs of diverse communities and sectors in ACP, while seeking an overall coherence in policy and standardisation of practice through high-level best-practice principles, quality standards and policy frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Sinclair
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Sydney, Australia.
| | - Jill Mann
- Barwon Health Advance Care Planning Program, Geelong, Australia
| | - Liz Reymond
- Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning, Brisbane South Palliative Care Collaborative, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Australia; Griffith University School of Medicine and Dentistry, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Xanthe Sansome
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
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Kim B, Choi J, Lee I. Factors Associated with Advance Directives Documentation: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey of Older Adults in Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073771. [PMID: 35409452 PMCID: PMC8997513 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Advance directives (ADs) can support autonomy in making healthcare decisions and minimize unnecessary discomfort during the treatment process at the end of life (EOL). This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence AD documentation among community-dwelling older adults. We used data from the National Survey of Older Koreans which was conducted nationwide in 2020. Data from participants aged 65 years or older were extracted using stratified multistage cluster sampling and the survey was conducted through one-on-one interviews. A total of 9920 older adults were included in this study: 421 respondents (4.7%) claimed that they had prepared for AD. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being 75 years or older, having higher educational attainment, higher income, having any chronic disease(s), being screened for dementia in the past, being against futile life-sustaining treatment, taking a lecture on death and being registered for organ donation were positively associated with AD. Furthermore, when health was rated as average, it was associated with reduced odds of AD documentation compared when health was rated as good. These results suggest that more targeted efforts are required to promote EOL discussions among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boram Kim
- Division of Health Policy, Bureau of Health Policy, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Sejong-si 30113, Korea;
| | - Jiyeon Choi
- Division of Medical Law & Ethics, Department of Medical Humanities and Social Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Ilhak Lee
- Division of Medical Law & Ethics, Department of Medical Humanities and Social Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea;
- The Asian Institute of Bioethics and Health Law, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2228-2538
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