Implementing Advance Care Planning Conversation Tools in Family Practice
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Frail Elderly Syndrome
- Sponsor
- McMaster University
- Enrollment
- 80
- Locations
- 4
- Primary Endpoint
- Advance care planning engagement
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 4 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
This study evaluates the use of advance care planning conversation tools with patients attending their family doctor's office. Patients complete tools about their values and wishes, and a health care provider uses a structured discussion tool to talk about the patient's health condition and future wishes. The patient's family member/substitute decision-maker is encouraged to attend and be part of the discussions.
Detailed Description
Structured tools are helpful for advance care planning. Tools have been developed to help with advance care planning because it is a process which has multiple steps and people involved. This study will help health care teams in primary care learn to use the tools with frail or older seriously ill patients and will evaluate the perceptions of patients, family members and health care providers, as well as the impact of having the discussions on subsequent health care interactions the patient has. Patients complete tools about their values and wishes, and a health care provider uses a structured discussion tool to talk about the patient's health condition and future wishes. The patient's family member/substitute decision-maker is encouraged to attend and be part of the discussions.
Investigators
Michelle Howard
Assistant Professor
McMaster University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •age 60 or older
- •chronic condition that may reduce life expectancy as per physician's clinical judgement
- •able to communicate verbally in English and read English
Exclusion Criteria
- •unable to communicate verbally in English
- •unable to read English
- •cognitively unable to give informed consent (e.g. memory problems) as judged by referring physician or research assistant
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Advance care planning engagement
Time Frame: 12 weeks
Survey measuring domains of engagement in advance care planning
Secondary Outcomes
- Patient experience(12 weeks)
- Advance care planning engagement-substitute decision maker(12 weeks)
- Patient perceived impact on health care(6-9 months)