scholarly journals A self-reported survey on the confidence levels and motivation of New South Wales practice nurses on conducting advance-care planning (ACP) initiatives in the general-practice setting

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilia Fan ◽  
Joel J. Rhee

Nurses are well positioned to initiate and conduct advance-care planning (ACP) conversations; however, there has been limited research on practice nurses performing this role in Australia. The aim of the present study was to understand the beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, confidence, training and educational needs of New South Wales practice nurses with regards to involvement in ACP. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in August to October 2014. Nurses were recruited through nursing organisations and Medicare Locals. There were 147 completed surveys (n=147). Participants were mostly female registered nurses, with a median age of 50, and 6 years of practice-nurse experience. Practice nurses were generally positive towards their involvement in ACP and believed it would be beneficial for the community. Their confidence in initiating ACP increased as their familiarity with patients increased. They showed a high level of interest in participating in training and education in ACP. Barriers to their involvement in ACP included the lack of a good documentation system, limited patient-education resources and unclear source of remuneration. Nurses were also concerned over legalities of ACP, ethical considerations and their understanding of end-of-life care options. Nevertheless, they were highly receptive of integrating ACP discussions and were willing to enhance their skills. These findings uncover a need for further training and development of practice nurses for ACP discussions.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Yue-lai Chan ◽  
Annie Oi-ling Kwok ◽  
Kwok-keung Yuen ◽  
Derrick Kit-sing Au ◽  
Jacqueline Kwan-yuk Yuen

Abstract Background: Training has been found effective in improving healthcare professionals’ knowledge, confidence, and skills in conducting advance care planning (ACP). However, its association with their attitudes toward ACP, which is crucial to its implementation, remained unclear. To fill this gap, this paper examines the association between their attitudes toward ACP and relevant training experiences.Methods: An online survey about attitudes toward ACP of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and allied healthcare professionals, currently working in hospital and community care in Hong Kong was conducted.Results: Of 250 respondents, approximately half (51.6%) had received ACP-related training. Those with relevant training reported significantly more positive in the perceived clinical relevance, willingness, and confidence in conducting ACP and levels of agreement with 19 out of the 25 statements in a questionnaire about attitudes toward ACP than those without (ps ≤ 0.001–0.05). Respondents who received training only in a didactic format reported a significantly lower level of confidence in conducting ACP than did others who received a blended mode of learning (p = 0.012). Notwithstanding significant differences between respondents with and without relevant training, respondents generally acknowledged their roles in initiating conversations and appreciated ACP in preventing decisional conflict in surrogate decision-making regardless of their training experience.Conclusions: This paper revealed the association between training and positive attitudes toward ACP among healthcare professionals. The findings showed that training is a predictor of their preparedness for ACP in terms of perceived relevancy, willingness, and confidence. Those who had received training were less likely to consider commonly reported barriers such as time constraints, cultural taboos, and avoidance among patients and family members as hindrances to ACP implementation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Elise Mansfield ◽  
Sarah Jeong ◽  
Amy Waller ◽  
Sally Chan

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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Yue-lai Chan ◽  
Annie Oi-ling Kwok ◽  
Kwok-keung Yuen ◽  
Derrick Kit-sing Au ◽  
Jacqueline Kwan-yuk Yuen

Abstract Background: Training has been found effective in improving healthcare professionals’ knowledge, confidence, and skills in conducting advance care planning (ACP). However, the association between training and its actual practice in the clinical setting has not been well demonstrated. To fill this gap, this paper examines the association between their readiness for ACP, in terms of perceived relevancy of ACP with their clinical work, attitudes toward and confidence and willingness to perform it, based on the Theory Planned Behavior and relevant training experiences.Methods: An online survey about experiences about ACP of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and allied healthcare professionals, currently working in hospital and community care in Hong Kong was conducted. Results: Of 250 respondents, approximately half (51.6%) had received ACP-related training. Those with relevant training reported significantly more positive in the perceived clinical relevance, willingness, and confidence in conducting ACP and different levels of agreement with 19 out of the 25 statements in a questionnaire about attitudes toward ACP than those without (ps ≤ 0.001–0.05). Respondents who received training only in a didactic format reported a significantly lower level of confidence in conducting ACP than did others who received a blended mode of learning (p = 0.012). Notwithstanding significant differences between respondents with and without relevant training, respondents generally acknowledged their roles in initiating conversations and appreciated ACP in preventing decisional conflict in surrogate decision-making regardless of their training experience.Conclusions: This paper revealed the association between training and higher level of readiness toward ACP among healthcare professionals. The findings showed that training is a predictor of their readiness for ACP in terms of perceived relevancy, willingness, and confidence. Those who had received training were less likely to consider commonly reported barriers such as time constraints, cultural taboos, and avoidance among patients and family members as hindrances to ACP implementation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Yue-lai Chan ◽  
Annie Oi-ling Kwok ◽  
Kwok-keung Yuen ◽  
Derrick Kit-sing Au ◽  
Jacqueline Kwan-yuk Yuen

Abstract Background Training has been found effective in improving healthcare professionals’ knowledge, confidence, and skills in conducting advance care planning (ACP). However, the association between training and its actual practice in the clinical setting has not been well demonstrated. To fill this gap, this paper examines the association between their readiness for ACP, in terms of perceived relevancy of ACP with their clinical work, attitudes toward and confidence and willingness to perform it, based on the Theory Planned Behavior and relevant training experiences. Methods An online survey about experiences about ACP of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and allied healthcare professionals, currently working in hospital and community care in Hong Kong was conducted. Results Of 250 respondents, approximately half (52.0%) had received ACP-related training. Those with relevant training reported significantly more positive in the perceived clinical relevance, willingness, and confidence in conducting ACP and different levels of agreement with 19 out of the 25 statements in a questionnaire about attitudes toward ACP than those without (ps ≤ 0.001–0.05). Respondents who received training only in a didactic format reported a significantly lower level of confidence in conducting ACP than did others who received a blended mode of learning (p = 0.012). Notwithstanding significant differences between respondents with and without relevant training, respondents generally acknowledged their roles in initiating conversations and appreciated ACP in preventing decisional conflict in surrogate decision-making regardless of their training experience. Conclusions This paper revealed the association between training and higher level of readiness toward ACP among healthcare professionals. The findings showed that training is a predictor of their readiness for ACP in terms of perceived relevancy, willingness, and confidence. Those who had received training were less likely to consider commonly reported barriers such as time constraints, cultural taboos, and avoidance among patients and family members as hindrances to ACP implementation.


Author(s):  
Jung Kwak ◽  
Soyeon Cho ◽  
George Handzo ◽  
Brian P. Hughes ◽  
Sami S. Hasan ◽  
...  

Background: Healthcare chaplains have key roles in providing palliative support to patients and families, and they are well-suited to facilitate advance care planning (ACP). However, empirical data on the roles and responsibilities of chaplains in facilitating ACP are limited. Objectives: To examine the roles of board-certified healthcare chaplains in ACP in various healthcare settings. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based self-report survey was conducted with 585 board-certified chaplains recruited from 3 major professional chaplains’ organizations in the U.S. The survey data included chaplains’ demographic and professional characteristics, their roles and responsibilities, and responses regarding communication and participation with other healthcare team members in facilitating ACP, including experienced barriers. Results: More participants worked in community hospital settings (42%) and academic medical centers (19.6%) than in any other setting. Over 90% viewed ACP as an important part of their work, 70% helped patients complete advance directives, and 90% helped patients discuss their preferences about end-of-life treatments. Many chaplains were not consistently included in team discussions regarding decision-making, although most chaplains reported that they could always find ways to communicate with their teams. Conclusion: Professional board-certified chaplains regularly engage in facilitating ACP discussions with patients and families in various healthcare settings. There is a need to recognize and provide systematic support for the role of chaplains in facilitating ACP conversations and to integrate chaplains into routine interdisciplinary team and family meetings.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 336-345
Author(s):  
Ike Wuri Winahyu Sari ◽  
Rizqi Wahyu Hidayati

Background: While previous studies showed that oncology nurses were highly inclined to promote advance care planning (ACP), there is a limited study focusing on ACP that concerns the willingness to promote ACP among palliative nurses in Indonesia. This issue needs to be investigated to determine the causative factors so that interventions for nurses can be arranged to improve ACP in Indonesia.Purpose: This study aimed to identify predictors of the willingness to promote ACP among nurses in palliative care settings.Methods: This study used a descriptive-analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 150 registered nurses with at least one year of experience were purposively recruited. Data were collected using the Indonesian version of the willingness to promote ACP instrument (I-WPACP) with a possible score range of 24 to 120; the higher the score, the higher the willingness to promote ACP. The descriptive statistic, independent t-test, Pearson correlation test, Spearman rank correlation test, and multiple linear regression test were used to analyze the data.Results: The willingness to promote ACP showed a mean score of 84.73±9.36. The score indicates a high willingness to promote ACP. The experience of receiving palliative care education became a related factor as well as the most closely related factor to the willingness to promote ACP in the palliative care settings (β=0.184; p=0.028).Conclusion: The willingness to promote ACP among nurses is high and closely related to their experience of receiving education about palliative care. Education about palliative care and training on ACP needs to be developed so that nurses can discuss ACP with patients and family caregivers.


2020 ◽  
pp. 082585972097393
Author(s):  
Linda Lee ◽  
Loretta M. Hillier ◽  
Stephanie K. Lu ◽  
Donna Ward

Background: Lack of tools to support advance care planning (ACP) has been identified as a significant barrier to implementing these discussions. Aim: We pilot tested an ACP framework tool for use with persons living with dementia (PLWD) in primary care-based memory clinics and an Adult Day Program; this study describes user and recipient experiences with this framework. Methods: We used a mixed methods approach. Health professionals completed an online survey following pilot testing and PLWD and substitute decision makers (SDM) completed survey immediately following the ACP discussion assessing their satisfaction (5-point scale) with the framework and exploring potential outcomes. Interviews with health professionals, PLWD, and SDM were conducted to gather more in-depth information on their perceptions of the ACP framework/ discussion. Results: Surveys were completed by 12 health professionals, 13 PLWD, and 16 SDM. While PLWD and SDM were satisfied with the ACP discussion (M = 4.0/5), health professionals were minimally satisfied with the ease of use of the framework (M = 2.0/5), acceptability for patients (M = 2.4/5) and feasibility in practice (M = 1.9/5). Sixteen interviews were completed with 8 health professionals, 1 PLWD, and 7 SDM. While health professionals valued ACP, lack of time and training were identified barriers to framework use. SDM felt better prepared for future decisions and PLWD were put at ease, knowing that their wishes for care were understood. Conclusion: PLWD and SDM value the opportunity for ACP, and although health professionals identified some concerns with framework administration, they acknowledge the value and importance of ACP. Continuing efforts to refine ACP processes are justified.


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