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Macedo JC, Castro L, Nunes R. Attitudes of the Portuguese population towards advance directives: an online survey. BMC Med Ethics 2024; 25:40. [PMID: 38570826 PMCID: PMC10988855 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-024-01043-x] [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] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advance directives (ADs) were implemented in Portugal in 2012. Although more than a decade has passed since Law 25/2012 came into force, Portuguese people have very low levels of adherence. In this context, this study aimed to identify and analyse the attitudes of people aged 18 or older living in Portugal towards ADs and to determine the relationships between sociodemographic variables (gender/marital status/religion/level of education/residence/whether they were a health professional/whether they had already drawn up a living will) and people's attitudes towards ADs. METHODS An online cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using a convenience sample. For this purpose, a request (email) that publicized the link to a -form-which included sociodemographic data and the General Public Attitudes Toward Advance Care Directives (GPATACD) scale-was sent to 28 higher education institutions and 30 senior universities, covering all of mainland Portugal and the islands (Azores and Madeira). The data were collected between January and February 2023. RESULTS A total of 950 adults from completed the online form. The lower scores (mean 1 and 2) obtained in most responses by applying the GPATACD scale show that the sample of the Portuguese population has a very positive attitude towards ADs. The data showed that women, agnostics/atheists, health professionals and those who had already made a living will had more positive attitudes (p < 0.001) towards ADs. There were no statistically significant differences in the attitudes of the Portuguese population sample towards ADs in relation to marital status, education level, and residence. CONCLUSION The results obtained enable us to confirm that this sample of the Portuguese population has a positive attitude towards ADs. We verify that there are certain fringes of this sample with certain sociodemographic characteristics (women, agnostics/atheists, health professionals and those who had already made a living will) that have a more positive attitude towards ADs. This data could facilitate the implementation and adjustment of relevant measures, particularly in the field of health education and aimed at groups with less favourable attitudes, to increase the effectiveness of voluntary exercise of citizens' autonomy in end-of-life care planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Carlos Macedo
- Nursing School, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal.
| | - Luísa Castro
- Centre for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS@RISE), Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, 4200-450, Portugal
| | - Rui Nunes
- Center of Bioethics of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, 4200-450, Portugal
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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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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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Siden EG, Carter RZ, Barwich D, Hassan E. Part of the solution: A survey of community organisation perspectives on barriers and facilitating actions to Advance Care Planning in British Columbia, Canada. Health Expect 2021; 25:345-354. [PMID: 34904336 PMCID: PMC8849222 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the established benefits of Advance Care Planning (ACP), engagement remains low in British Columbia. Since 2016, a growing number of community‐based nonprofits have offered ACP education. To date, no study has focused on the perspectives of nonprofits on ACP in British Columbia. Objective This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitating actions to ACP as perceived by British Columbian nonprofits. Design A mixed‐methods design was used. Data were collected through online surveys and telephone interviews. Setting and Participants Staff and volunteers from British Columbian nonprofits that are providing or interested in providing public education on ACP were recruited for this study. Results The lack of public awareness of ACP, the emotional difficulty of the conversation, the complicated ACP process, the belief that ACP is synonymous with completing a medical order form, the challenge of introducing ACP in different cultural contexts and the siloed approach to ACP education were rated as the most important barriers to ACP engagement. The most important facilitating actions were developing clear messages, improving ACP literacy, reframing ACP as part of life planning, simplifying ACP documentation and transfer, integrating ACP conversations into clinical practice and better collaboration between the health system and nonprofits. Discussion This study identifies numerous opportunities to improve ACP engagement in British Columbia from a community lens. To maximize ACP engagement, community‐led ACP education should be offered in coordination with the health system. Conclusion Community‐led ACP education as well as collaboration and consultation with nonprofits are part of the solution to the low ACP engagement in British Columbia. Public Contribution Study participants, including staff and volunteers at nonprofits, are members of the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie G Siden
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Centre for Palliative Care, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rachel Z Carter
- BC Centre for Palliative Care, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Doris Barwich
- BC Centre for Palliative Care, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eman Hassan
- BC Centre for Palliative Care, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Tilse C, Willmott L, Wilson J, Feeney R, White B. Operationalizing legal rights in end-of- life decision-making: A qualitative study. Palliat Med 2021; 35:1889-1896. [PMID: 34423712 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211040189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For a patient's legal right to make end-of-life treatment decisions to be respected, health care practitioners, patients and their substitute decision-makers must know what rights exist and how to assert them (or support others to assert them). Yet very little is known about what enhances or obstructs the operationalization of legal rights from the perspective of patients, family members and substitute decision-makers. AIM To explore barriers and facilitators to the operationalization of rights in end-of-life decision-making from the perspectives of terminally-ill patients and family members and substitute decision-makers of terminally ill patients in Australia. DESIGN Semi-structured interviews (face to face and telephone) with patients, family or substitute decision-makers experienced in end-of-life decision-making completed between November 2016 and October 2017. A thematic content analysis of interview transcripts. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Purposive sampling across three Australian states provided 16 terminally-ill patients and 33 family and/or substitute decision-makers. RESULTS Barriers and facilitators emerged across three overlapping domains: systemic factors; individual factors, influenced by personal characteristics and decision-making approach; and communication and information. Health care practitioners play a key role in either supporting or excluding patients, family and substitute decision-makers in decision-making. CONCLUSION In addition to enhancing legal literacy of community members and health practitioners about end-of-life decision-making, support such as open communication, advocacy and help with engaging with advanced care planning is needed to facilitate people operationalizing their legal rights, powers and duties. Palliative care and other support services should be more widely available to people both within and outside health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Tilse
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lindy Willmott
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jill Wilson
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachel Feeney
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ben White
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Buck K, Nolte L, Sellars M, Sinclair C, White BP, Kelly H, Macleod A, Detering KM. Advance care directive prevalence among older Australians and associations with person-level predictors and quality indicators. Health Expect 2021; 24:1312-1325. [PMID: 33932311 PMCID: PMC8369087 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advance care planning (ACP) conversations may result in preferences for medical care being documented. OBJECTIVE To explore the uptake and quality of advance care directives (ACDs) among older Australians accessing health and aged care services, by overall ACP documentation prevalence, person-level predictors and ACD quality indicators. DESIGN AND SETTING National multi-centre health record audit in general practices (GP), hospitals and residential aged care facilities (RACF). PARTICIPANTS A total of 4187 people aged ≥65 years attending their GP (n = 676), admitted to hospital (n = 1122) or residing in a RACF (n = 2389). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ACP documentation prevalence by setting and type including person-completed ACDs and non-ACD documents (completed by a health professional or someone else); person-level predictors and quality indicators of ACDs. RESULTS Overall ACP documentation prevalence was 46.5% (29.2% weighted). ACD prevalence was 25.3% (14.2% weighted). Unweighted ACD prevalence was higher in RACFs (37.7%) than in hospitals (11.1%) and GPs (5.5%). 35.8% of ACP documentation was completed by a health professional (9.7% weighted), and 18.1% was completed by someone else (10.6% weighted). Having an ACD was positively associated with being female, older, having two or more medical conditions, receiving palliative care, being divorced/separated and being in a RACF. Only 73% of ACDs included full name, signature, document date and witnessing. CONCLUSIONS AND CONTRIBUTION Low ACP documentation prevalence and a lack of accessible, person-completed and quality ACDs represent an important ACP implementation issue. Low prevalence is complicated by poor document quality and a higher prevalence of documents being completed by someone other than the person.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Buck
- Advance Care Planning AustraliaAustin HealthHeidelbergVicAustralia
| | - Linda Nolte
- Advance Care Planning AustraliaAustin HealthHeidelbergVicAustralia
| | - Marcus Sellars
- Advance Care Planning AustraliaAustin HealthHeidelbergVicAustralia
- Department of Health Services Research & PolicyResearch School of Population HealthAustralian National UniversityACTAustralia
| | - Craig Sinclair
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing ResearchUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
- Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA)SydneyAustralia
- School of PsychologyUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Ben P. White
- Australian Centre for Health Research LawFaculty of LawQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQldAustralia
| | - Helana Kelly
- Advance Care Planning AustraliaAustin HealthHeidelbergVicAustralia
| | - Ashley Macleod
- Advance Care Planning AustraliaAustin HealthHeidelbergVicAustralia
| | - Karen M. Detering
- Advance Care Planning AustraliaAustin HealthHeidelbergVicAustralia
- Faculty of Health, Arts and InnovationSwinburne UniversityHawthornVic.Australia
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Laranjeira C, Dixe MDA, Gueifão L, Caetano L, Passadouro R, Querido A. Awareness and Attitudes towards Advance Care Directives (ACDs): An Online Survey of Portuguese Adults. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9060648. [PMID: 34072558 PMCID: PMC8227883 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9060648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Evidence shows that facilitated advance decisions can increase the number of meaningful and valid Advance Care Directives (ACDs) and improve the quality of care when End-Of-Life (EOL) is near. Little is known about the awareness and attitudes of Portuguese adults towards ACDs. The present study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and preferences of a sample of Portuguese adults regarding EOL care decisions and ACDs. (2) Methods: A total of 1024 adults were assessed with an online cross-sectional survey collecting information on sociodemographic factors, knowledge, attitudes and preferences regarding advance decisions and EOL care. (3) Results: Participants had a mean age of 40.28 ± 11.41 years. Most were female and had a professional background related to healthcare. While 76.37% of participants had heard of ACDs, only a small percentage (2.34%) had actually ever made an ACD. Knowledge levels were weakly correlated with attitudes regarding ACDs (r = -0.344; p < 0.01). (4) Conclusions: Participants lacked a comprehensive understanding about ACDs, but revealed positive attitudes towards their use and usefulness. Further research can inform efforts to improve ACD engagement in this population. The discussion about ACDs should be part of health promotion education with a focus on planning for a comfortable and peaceful death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Laranjeira
- School of Health Sciences of Polytechnic of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal;
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André—66–68, Campus 5, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal;
- Research in Education and Community Intervention (RECI I & D), Piaget Institute, 3515-776 Viseu, Portugal
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (A.Q.)
| | - Maria dos Anjos Dixe
- School of Health Sciences of Polytechnic of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal;
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André—66–68, Campus 5, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal;
| | - Luís Gueifão
- Intensive Care Unit, Leiria Hospital Center, R. de Santo André, 2410-197 Leiria, Portugal; (L.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Lina Caetano
- Intensive Care Unit, Leiria Hospital Center, R. de Santo André, 2410-197 Leiria, Portugal; (L.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Rui Passadouro
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André—66–68, Campus 5, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal;
| | - Ana Querido
- School of Health Sciences of Polytechnic of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal;
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Rua de Santo André—66–68, Campus 5, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal;
- Center for Research in Health and Information Systems (CINTESIS), NursID, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (A.Q.)
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Sinclair C, Sellars M, Buck K, Detering KM, White BP, Nolte L. Association Between Region of Birth and Advance Care Planning Documentation Among Older Australian Migrant Communities: A Multicenter Audit Study. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:109-120. [PMID: 32803263 PMCID: PMC7756686 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study explored associations between birth region, sociodemographic predictors, and advance care planning (ACP) uptake. Methods A prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional audit study of 100 sites across 8 Australian jurisdictions. ACP documentation was audited in the health records of people aged 65 years or older accessing general practice (GP), hospital, and long-term care facility (LTCF) settings. Advance care directives (ACDs) completed by the person (“person completed ACDs”) and ACP documents completed by a health professional or other person (“health professional or someone else ACP”) were counted. Hierarchical multilevel logistic regression assessed associations with birth region. Results From 4,187 audited records, 30.0% (1,152/3,839) were born outside Australia. “Person completed ACDs” were less common among those born outside Australia (21.9% vs 28.9%, X2 (1, N = 3,840) = 20.3, p < .001), while “health professional or someone else ACP” was more common among those born outside Australia (46.4% vs 34.8%, X2 (1, N = 3,840) = 45.5, p < .001). Strongest associations were found for those born in Southern Europe: “person completed ACD” (odds ratio [OR] = 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36–0.88), and “health professional or someone else ACP” (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.01–1.98). English-language proficiency and increased age significantly predicted both ACP outcomes. Discussion Region of birth is associated with the rate and type of ACP uptake for some older Australians. Approaches to ACP should facilitate access to interpreters and be sensitive to diverse preferences for individual and family involvement in ACP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Sinclair
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marcus Sellars
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Australian Centre for Health Research Law, Faculty of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kimberly Buck
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karen M Detering
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ben P White
- Australian Centre for Health Research Law, Faculty of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Linda Nolte
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract
Advance care planning (ACP) is promoted as beneficial practice internationally. This article critically examines different ways of understanding and measuring success in ACP. It has been 50 years since Luis Kutner first published his original idea of the Living Will, which was thought to be a contract between health carers and patients to provide for instructions about treatment choices in cases of mental incapacity. Its purpose was to extend a patient's right to autonomy and protect health carers from charges of wrong-doing. Yet, it can be doubtful whether different types of ACP achieve these goals rather than aiming at secondary gains. My discussion suggests that the current promotion of ACP is not always engaging critically with the original ACP intentions and may even pursue notions of success that may run contrary to respecting autonomy. The risk of this may especially be the case when high participation rates are taken as indicators of success for institutional ACP programs. I further suggest that Kutner's two original aims of protecting patient autonomy and preventing charges of wrong-doing are near impossible to achieve in conjunction, because their simultaneous pursuit fails to acknowledge that patients and carers have opposing needs for reassurance about possible judgment errors. I conclude that the most realistic idea of success of modern ACP is an acknowledgement of the importance of ongoing dialogue about what constitutes appropriate care and a diversity of aims rather than any kind of advance, contractual insurance in the face of controversy.
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O'Leary JJ, Reid N, Hubbard RE, Peel NM. Prevalence and factors associated with Advance Health Directives in frail older inpatients. Intern Med J 2021; 52:1160-1166. [PMID: 33961731 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advance health directives (AHDs) can be used to explore and document patient preferences for treatment and are therefore an important aspect of care planning. AIMS To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with AHDs among older inpatients. METHODS This retrospective study included 6449 patients, aged ≥65 years referred for specialist geriatric consultation between 2007 and 2018 in Queensland, Australia. The interRAI-Acute Care Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment tool was used to calculate a frailty index (FI), range 0-1, based on 52 possible deficits, and categorised into intervals of 0.1 for analysis. FI was also grouped according to previously reported cut points: fit (FI ≤0.25), moderately frail (FI >0.25-0.4), frail (FI >0.4-0.6) and severely frail (FI >0.6). RESULTS An AHD was present in 1032/6449 (16.0%) patients. Those with an AHD were significantly frailer than those without an AHD (mean FI 0.52 vs 0.45; p < 0.001). Higher frailty (OR:1.34(1.27-1.40)), older age (OR:1.04(1.03-1.05)), living in an institution (OR:1.33(1.01-1.73)), and recent hospitalisation (OR:1.42(1.23-1.62)) were significantly associated with higher prevalence of AHDs. Prevalence of AHD increased over time, from 7.6%(n = 66) in 2008 to 35.4%(n = 99) in 2017. CONCLUSION The presence of AHDs is associated with sociodemographic factors, as well as higher frailty levels. Prevalence of AHDs among inpatients has increased over the past decade but remains modest. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Joseph O'Leary
- The University of Queensland - Ochsner Clinical School, Louisiana, USA.,The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Health Services Research, Brisbane, QLD, AUS, Australia
| | - Natasha Reid
- The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Health Services Research, Brisbane, QLD, AUS, Australia
| | - Ruth E Hubbard
- The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Health Services Research, Brisbane, QLD, AUS, Australia
| | - Nancye May Peel
- The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Health Services Research, Brisbane, QLD, AUS, Australia
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Prospective Randomized Study of Advance Directives in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Recipients. Transplant Cell Ther 2021; 27:615.e1-615.e7. [PMID: 33836311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2021.03.030] [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: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are at risk for high morbidity and mortality. Advance directives (AD) allow patients to express wishes regarding their care at the end of life, but these are not completed in the majority of patients undergoing HCT, with only 44% of deceased allogeneic HCT recipients at this institution completing an AD in the past decade. Increasing the AD completion rate can improve the quality of care for allogeneic HCT recipients. Our objective was to evaluate whether an alternative AD instrument can increase AD completion rate and patient satisfaction. We conducted a prospective, randomized controlled study of the traditional California AD versus a novel Letter AD, the Stanford What Matters Most Letter, in adult allogeneic HCT recipients. Patients age ≥18 years undergoing first allogeneic HCT at Stanford University were eligible. Prior to HCT conditioning, enrolled patients were assigned at random to complete either the traditional AD or the Letter AD. The primary endpoint was AD completion. The chi-square test was used to compare the AD completion rate between arms. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare uncertainty, satisfaction with decision making, and satisfaction with the AD. Of the 212 patients who were eligible, 126 (59.4%) were enrolled and randomized. The mean age was 53.7 years, 57 (45.2%) were female, and 74 (58.7%) were non-Hispanic white. The overall AD completion rate was 71.4% and did not differ between the traditional and Letter AD arms (70.3% versus 72.6%; P = .78). Of those who completed the Letter AD, 66.7%, 42.2%, and 46.7% of patients wished to die gently/naturally, at home, and/or with hospice, respectively. In the traditional AD arm, 60.0% wished to not prolong life if recovery was unlikely. Opinion surveys did not find differences in levels of satisfaction between the traditional AD and Letter AD. Completion rates of AD on this study were high (71.4%) compared with historically reported completion rates and did not significantly differ based on AD version.
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Sellars M, Tran J, Nolte L, White B, Sinclair C, Fetherstonhaugh D, Detering K. Public knowledge, preferences and experiences about medical substitute decision-making: a national cross-sectional survey. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2021:bmjspcare-2020-002619. [PMID: 33722813 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the Australian adult public's knowledge and experiences regarding substitute decision-making for medical decisions and their preferences for obtaining information about the substitute decision-maker (SDM) role. METHODS This is a national cross-sectional online survey of the Australian adult public. The survey examined participants' advance care planning (ACP) awareness and experience, SDM experiences and preferences for obtaining more information about SDM, and participant knowledge about SDM. RESULTS Of 1586 people who opened the survey, 1120 (70.6%) were included in the final sample. 13% (n=142) of participants indicated they had acted as an SDM. A median score of two correct responses out of five showed low to moderate knowledge about the SDM role among all participants, with only 33% reporting awareness of SDM laws existing in Australia. While most (59%) participants ranked a health professional as their preferred source of obtaining information about supporting SDMs, few participants who had been an SDM (n=64, 45%) reported obtaining any support in making medical decisions. The median SDM knowledge scores for people who had discussed ACP (3.0 vs 2.0, U=1 45 222, z=6.910, p<0.001), documented their ACP preferences (3.0 vs 2.0, U=71 984, z=4.087, p<0.001) or acted in the SDM role (3.0 vs 2.0, U=56 353, z=-3.694, p<0.001) were significantly higher compared with those who had not. CONCLUSIONS The Australian public may have low to moderate knowledge about the SDM role and access only minimal support when making challenging medical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Sellars
- Department of Health Services Research & Policy, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julien Tran
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linda Nolte
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben White
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Craig Sinclair
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deirdre Fetherstonhaugh
- Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen Detering
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Arts and Innovation, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Bryant J, Sellars M, Sinclair C, Detering K, Buck K, Waller A, White B, Nolte L. Inadequate completion of advance care directives by individuals with dementia: national audit of health and aged care facilities. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2021; 12:bmjspcare-2020-002767. [PMID: 33397661 PMCID: PMC9380476 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES (i) Describe the prevalence and type of advance care directives (ACDs) and other advance care planning (ACP) documentation completed by persons with dementia, healthcare providers and others on behalf of a person with dementia; (ii) identify the personal and ACP programme characteristics associated with having ACP documentation in the health record; (iii) identify the personal and ACP programme characteristics associated with having a self-completed ACD. METHODS A multicentre audit was undertaken in Australian hospitals, general practices and residential aged care facilities. Auditors extracted demographic and ACP data from the records of eligible patients. ACP programme characteristics were provided by a site representative. Logistic and multinomial regression were used respectively to examine the factors associated with completion of any ACP documentation, and self-completion of an ACD by persons with dementia. RESULTS A total of 1388 people with dementia (33.2%) from 96 sites were included. Overall, 60.8% (n=844) had ACP documentation; 31.6% (n=438) had a self-completed ACD and 29.3% (n=406) had an ACP document completed by a health professional or someone else on their behalf. Older participants were more likely to have ACP documented. Multivariate analyses indicated the odds of having self-completed ACP documents, compared with no advance care plan or ACP completed by someone else, were significantly influenced by age, country of birth, setting and whether the site had ACP training, policies or guidelines. DISCUSSION While 60% of people with dementia had some form of ACP documentation, only half of the cases in which ACP was documented included an ACD completed by the person themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Bryant
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Marcus Sellars
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Faculty of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Craig Sinclair
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Detering
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kimberly Buck
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy Waller
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Ben White
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Faculty of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Linda Nolte
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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Phua CS, Ng A, Brooks C, Harrington Z, Vedam H, Huynh T, Seccombe D, Aouad P, Cordato D. Prevalence and factors associated with advanced care directives in a motor neuron disease multidisciplinary clinic in Australia. Postgrad Med J 2020; 97:566-570. [PMID: 32788311 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-138184] [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: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Motor neuron disease (MND) is a neurodegenerative disorder leading to functional decline and death. Multidisciplinary MND clinics provide an integrated approach to management and facilitate discussion on advanced care directives (ACDs). The study objectives are to analyse (1) the prevalence of ACD in our MND clinic, (2) the relationship between ACD and patient demographics and (3) the relationship between ACD decision-making and variables such as NIV, PEG, hospital admissions and location of death. METHODS Using clinic records, all patients who attended the MND clinic in Liverpool Hospital between November 2014 and November 2019 were analysed. Data include MND subtypes, symptom onset to time of diagnosis, time of diagnosis to death, location and reason of death. ACD prevalence, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) requirements were analysed. RESULTS There were 78 patients; M:F=1:1. 44 (56%) patients were limb onset, 28 (36%) bulbar onset, 4 primary lateral sclerosis and 2 flail limb syndrome presentations. 27% patients completed ACDs, while 32% patients declined ACDs. Patients born in Australia or in a majority English-speaking country were more likely to complete ACDs compared to those born in a non-English-speaking country. There was no significant correlation between ACD completion and age, gender, MND subtype, symptom duration, NIV, PEG feeding, location of death. CONCLUSION One-quarter of patients completed ACDs. ACDs did not correlate with patient age, gender, MND subtype and symptom duration or decision-making regarding NIV, PEG feeding or location of death. Further studies are needed to address factors influencing patients' decisions regarding ACDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Seng Phua
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Australia .,School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aloysius Ng
- Department of Intensive Care, Lismore Base Hospital, Lismore, Australia
| | - Christopher Brooks
- School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Neurosurgery, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Zinta Harrington
- School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Hima Vedam
- School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Thang Huynh
- School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Palliative Care, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Desi Seccombe
- School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Palliative Care, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Patrick Aouad
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dennis Cordato
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Sellars M, Detering KM, Sinclair C, White BP, Buck K, Ruseckaite R, Clayton JM, Nolte L. Personal and Interpersonal Factors and Their Associations With Advance Care Planning Documentation: A Cross-sectional Survey of Older Adults in Australia. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 59:1212-1222.e3. [PMID: 31899284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.12.371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Personal and interpersonal factors may be influential in a person's decision to engage in advance care planning (ACP), including completion of ACP documentation. OBJECTIVES To conduct a cross-sectional survey of older adults accessing Australian general practices, hospitals, and residential aged care facilities, with the aim of describing associations between personal and interpersonal factors and self-reported ACP documentation completion. METHODS Eligible participants included in a national health record audit were approached to complete a survey measuring demographic and health characteristics, preferences for care, worries about the future, and experiences talking with others about ACP and completing ACP documentation. RESULTS Of 1082 people eligible to participate in the survey, 507 completed the survey (response rate = 47%; median age 82 years) and 54% (n = 272) reported having completed ACP documentation. Having ever discussed ACP with other people (anyone) or a doctor were both significant predictors of ACP documentation completion, whereas having previously spoken specifically to a partner about ACP, currently living with children compared to living alone, and being aged 55-69 versus 90-99 years were associated with reduced odds of ACP documentation completion. CONCLUSION Approximately half the participants reported having completed ACP documentation. The strongest predictor of ACP documentation completion was having spoken to anyone about ACP followed by having spoken to a doctor about ACP. These findings suggest that discussions about ACP are an important part of the process of completing ACP documentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Sellars
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia; Kolling Institute, Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Karen M Detering
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Craig Sinclair
- Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ben P White
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Faculty of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kimberly Buck
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rasa Ruseckaite
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Josephine M Clayton
- Kolling Institute, Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; HammondCare Centre for Learning & Research in Palliative Care, Greenwich Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Linda Nolte
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
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What to do when patients and physicians disagree? Qualitative research among physicians with different working experiences. Eur Geriatr Med 2020; 11:659-666. [PMID: 32297273 PMCID: PMC7438371 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-020-00312-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Aim To understand the challenges experienced by physicians when their opinion on medical decisions differ from those of patients or relatives. Findings Physicians felt uncomfortable when there was disagreement between themselves and patients or relatives. Frustration was felt when relatives spoke on behalf of the patient, while there was no evidence the desired decision was ever expressed by the patient. A disagreement with a patient was described as being less frustrating, when the patient was able to explain the reasons for making a decision. Differences in background, especially religious, were often mentioned as complicating communication. Message Efforts must be made to establish a bond of trust between patient, relatives and physician. The use of advance directives should be encouraged. In case of an impasse between a physician and patient or relative, advice can be sought from other professionals. Purpose Impasses between patients, relatives and physicians occur frequently. With the growing attention for shared decision making, it is valuable to know how impasses arise. To understand the challenges experienced by physicians when their opinion on medical decisions differ from those of patients or relatives. Methods Fifteen physicians with different working experiences, from five medical specialties were interviewed using a narrative approach. Interviews were based on two patient stories provided by the physician. First of a patient (or relative) who did not want to adhere to a treatment the physician deemed necessary, and the second of a patient (or relative) who requested a treatment the physician felt was unnecessary. Data were analyzed using a bottom-up approach, with identification of five themes (autonomy of the patient, communication, emotions, circumstances and metaphors). Twenty subthemes were formed. Results 693 references were made. Six major nodes were identified: frustration experienced by the physician, role of the relatives, agreement, cultural/religious aspects, comprehension by the patient of the situation and the existence of an established relationship between patient and physician. Conclusions Physicians felt uncomfortable when there was disagreement between themselves and patients or relatives. Frustration was felt when relatives spoke on behalf of the patient, while there was no evidence the desired decision was ever expressed by the patient. A disagreement with a patient was described as being less frustrating, when the patient was able to explain the reasons for making a decision. Differences in background, especially religious, were often mentioned as complicating communication.
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Mansfield E, Jeong S, Waller A, Chan S. Prevalence, perceived barriers and sociodemographic correlates of advance care planning in a sample of outpatients. Aust J Prim Health 2019; 26:76-80. [PMID: 31864425 DOI: 10.1071/py19096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the prevalence and perceived barriers to uptake of advance care planning (ACP), including appointment of an enduring guardian (EG) and completion of an advance care directive (ACD) among Australian adults attending hospital outpatient clinics. Sociodemographic correlates of not completing ACP were also assessed. A cross-sectional survey exploring the uptake of ACP was conducted with outpatients and their accompanying persons aged >18 years (n =191) at one regional hospital in New South Wales, Australia. Rates of completion of an ACD and appointment of an EG were 20% (n =37) and 35% (n =67) respectively. The most common reason for non-completion of an ACD and not appointing an EG was: 'didn't think I needed this'. Younger age was associated with not having appointed an EG (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2-12.1, P =0.02). No sociodemographic characteristics were significantly associated with non-completion of ACDs. Uptake of ACP is suboptimal among outpatients. Community-based healthcare providers are well positioned to promote ACP with outpatients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Mansfield
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lot 1, Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; and Corresponding author
| | - Sarah Jeong
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Amy Waller
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lot 1, Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Sally Chan
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; and School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Detering KM, Buck K, Sellars M, Kelly H, Sinclair C, White B, Nolte L. Prospective multicentre cross-sectional audit among older Australians accessing health and residential aged care services: protocol for a national advance care directive prevalence study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e031691. [PMID: 31662395 PMCID: PMC6830836 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advance care planning (ACP), an ongoing communication and planning process, aims to clarify a person's values and preferences, so these guide decision-making if the person becomes unable to make his or her own decisions. Ideally, ACP results in completion of advance care directives (ACD), documents completed by competent people outlining their values, treatment preferences and/or appointment of a substitute decision-maker (SDM). ACDs are most effective at the point of care, where they can be used to inform treatment decisions. Australian governments fund initiatives and have developed policy to increase ACD completion rates. However, little is known about the prevalence of ACDs at the point of care in Australian health services, making ACP evaluation efforts difficult. This study aims to determine the prevalence of ACDs in records of older people in Australian hospitals, aged care facilities and general practices. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a national multicentre cross-sectional prevalence study in selected aged care facilities, hospitals and general practices. Following a 2017 feasibility study, a new protocol incorporating key learnings was developed. Sites will be recruited via expression of interest process. Health records of people aged ≥65 years, admitted to or attending services on study day(s) will be audited by trained staff from sites. Site-level data will be collected during the expression of interest. The primary outcome is the presence of at least one ACD in the health record. Secondary outcomes include prevalence of other documented outcomes of ACP (by health practitioner(s)/family/SDM), assessment of ACD quality and content and concordance between the person's documented preferences and any medical treatment orders. Individuals and sites characteristics where ACDs are present will be explored. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Protocol approval by Austin Health Human Research Ethics Committee, Melbourne, Australia (reference: HREC/18/Austin/109). Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Participating sites and jurisdictions will receive individualised reports of findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Detering
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kimberly Buck
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus Sellars
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helana Kelly
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig Sinclair
- Centre of Excellence in Population Aging Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ben White
- Australian Centre for Health Research Law, Faculty of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Linda Nolte
- Advance Care Planning Australia, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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