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Liu X, Wang T, Cheung DST, Chau PH, Ho MH, Han Y, Lin CC. Dyadic advance care planning: systematic review of patient-caregiver interventions and effects. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023:spcare-2023-004430. [PMID: 37857471 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004430] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Family caregiver's involvement in advance care planning (ACP) is essential to provide high-quality end-of-life (EOL) care and to ease the surrogate decision-making burden. However, no systematic review has focused on existing ACP interventions involving patients and their families. AIM To systematically summarise current ACP interventions involving patients and their families. METHODS Five English and two Chinese databases were searched from inception to September 2022. The eligible studies were experimental studies describing original data. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools assessed the methodological quality. Narrative synthesis was conducted for data analysis. RESULTS In total, twenty-eight articles were included. Fifteen studies were randomised controlled trials, and the rest 13 studies were quasi-experimental studies. The data synthesis identified: (1) Key intervention components: strategies to promote ACP, ACP discussion and follow-up, as well as the role of family caregivers; (2) Effects on intended outcomes: interventions have shown benefit on completion of ACP actions, while inconsistent findings were found on the process outcomes and quality of EOL care. In addition, a logic model for patient-caregiver dyadic ACP was created, and the underlying mechanisms of action included well-preparation, open discussion and adequate support for plan/action. CONCLUSIONS This review provides comprehensive evidence about patient-caregiver dyadic ACP, a promising intervention to better prepare for EOL communication and decision-making. A logic model has been mapped to give a preliminary indication for future implementation. More empirical studies are needed to improve this model and culturally adapt it in a real-world setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohang Liu
- School of Nuring, The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tongyao Wang
- School of Nuring, The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Denise Shuk Ting Cheung
- School of Nuring, The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Pui Hing Chau
- School of Nuring, The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Mu-Hsing Ho
- School of Nuring, The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yuanxia Han
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chia-Chin Lin
- School of Nuring, The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Isabel V, Joachim C, Peter H, Chantal VA, Luc D, Aline DV. Support from healthcare professionals in empowering family carers to discuss advance care planning: A population-based survey. Palliat Med 2022; 37:719-729. [PMID: 36349646 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221135032] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family carers have a prominent role in end-of-life care for seriously ill persons. However, most of the Advance Care Planning literature is focused on the role of healthcare professionals. AIMS To investigate (1) what proportion of family carers discussed advance care planning with their relative and associated socio-demographic and clinical characteristics (2) what proportion received support from healthcare professionals for these conversations, (3) what type of support they received and (4) to what extent the type of support received was considered sufficient. DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS Population-based cross-sectional survey in Belgium of bereaved family carers of persons with a serious chronic illness (N = 3000) who died 2-6 months before the sample was drawn, identified through three sickness funds. The survey explored support from healthcare professionals for family carers during the last 3 months of the patient's life. RESULTS Response rate was 55%. The proportion of family carers that engaged in an advance care planning conversation with their relative was 46.9%. Of these family carers, 78.1% received support from a healthcare professional, mostly by doing the advance care planning conversation together (53.8%). Of family carers receiving support from a healthcare professional, 57.4% deemed the support sufficient. CONCLUSION Many family carers engage in advance care planning conversations with their dying relative. Healthcare professionals often support them by performing the advance care planning conversations together. More insight into how family carers can be supported to conduct these advance care planning conversations, both with and without involvement of healthcare professionals, is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandenbogaerde Isabel
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
| | - Cohen Joachim
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
| | - Hudson Peter
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincents Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Deliens Luc
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
| | - De Vleminck Aline
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
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Werner P, Ulitsa N, AboJabel H. Exploring the Motivations for Completing Advance Care Directives: A Qualitative Study of Majority/Minority Israeli People Without Dementia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:864271. [PMID: 35360133 PMCID: PMC8964276 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.864271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Completing advance directives has been declared an essential instrument for preserving and respecting the autonomy and preferences for end-of-life care of people living with dementia. However, research deciphering the reasoning behind the decision to complete or not advance directives in the case of dementia remains limited, especially among people pertaining to different majority/minority groups. Objectives To explore the motivations of people without dementia in Israel to complete or not to complete advance directives and to compare these motivations among the majority veteran Jewish group, the minority Jewish Former Soviet Union immigrant group, and the minority Arab group. Methods This qualitative study used purposive sampling and focus groups with discussions elicited by a vignette. A total of 42 Israeli people without dementia participated in 6 focus groups: two with veteran Jews (n = 14), two with Jewish immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (n = 14), and two with Arabs (n = 14). The analysis followed recommended steps for thematic content analysis. Results Four overarching themes were identified: (1) the meaning of dementia-related advance directives, (2) motivations for willingness to complete advance directives, (3) motivations for not being willing to complete advance directives, and (4) ethical dilemmas. Some of the themes were common to all groups, while others were informed by the groups' unique characteristics. Participants displayed a lack of knowledge and misunderstanding about advance directives, and central concepts such as autonomy and competence. Furthermore, stigmatic images of dementia and of the person with the diagnosis were associated to participants' motivations to complete advance directives. Conclusions There is need to expand comparative research among culturally and socially similar and dissimilar groups within a country as well as between countries in order to better guide public health efforts to increase the rates of advance directives completion. Special attention should be paid to decreasing stigmatic beliefs and understanding unique cultural values and motivations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perla Werner
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Tuesen LD, Ågård AS, Bülow HH, Fromme EK, Jensen HI. Decision-making conversations for life-sustaining treatment with seriously ill patients using a Danish version of the US POLST: a qualitative study of patient and physician experiences. Scand J Prim Health Care 2022; 40:57-66. [PMID: 35148663 PMCID: PMC9090401 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2022.2036481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore patients' and physicians' perspectives on a decision-making conversation for life-sustaining treatment, based on the Danish model of the American Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form. DESIGN Semi-structured interviews following a conversation about preferences for life-sustaining treatment. SETTING Danish hospitals, nursing homes, and general practitioners' clinics. SUBJECTS Patients and physicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Qualitative analyses of interview data. FINDINGS After participating in a conversation about life-sustaining treatment using the Danish POLST form, a total of six patients and five physicians representing different settings and age groups participated in an interview about their experience of the process. Within the main research questions, six subthemes were identified: Timing, relatives are key persons, clarifying treatment preferences, documentation across settings, strengthening patient autonomy, and structure influences conversations. Most patients and physicians found having a conversation about levels of life-sustaining treatment valuable but also complicated due to the different levels of knowledge and attending to individual patient needs and medical necessities. Relatives were considered as key persons to ensure the understanding of the treatment trajectory and the ability to advocate for the patient in case of a medical crisis. The majority of participants found that the conversation strengthened patient autonomy. CONCLUSION Patients and physicians found having a conversation about levels of life-sustaining treatment valuable, especially for strengthening patient autonomy. Relatives were considered key persons. The timing of the conversation and securing sufficient knowledge for shared decision-making were the main perceived challenges.KEY POINTSConversations about preferences for life-sustaining treatment are important, but not performed systematically.When planning a conversation about preferences for life-sustaining treatment, the timing of the conversation and the inclusion of relatives are key elements.Decision-making conversations can help patients feel in charge and less alone, and make it easier for health professionals to provide goal-concordant care.Using a model like the Danish POLST form may help to initiate, conduct and structure conversations about preferences for life-sustaining treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lone Doris Tuesen
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Vejle and Middelfart Hospitals, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- CONTACT Lone Doris Tuesen Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Vejle and Middelfart Hospitals, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Beriderbakken 4, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
| | - Anne Sophie Ågård
- Department of Intensive Care, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Public Health-Nursing, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hans-Henrik Bülow
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Holbaek Hospital, Holbaek, Denmark
| | - Erik K. Fromme
- Ariadne Labs, A Joint Center for Health Systems Innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hanne Irene Jensen
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Vejle and Middelfart Hospitals, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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5
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Berkowitz CM, Ma J, Lowe J, Dolor RJ. Assessing Quality in Advance Care Planning Documentation: A Survey of Current Methods. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 39:945-950. [PMID: 34961362 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211060341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-quality advance care planning (ACP) documentation facilitates the communication of patients' wishes as they progress in their disease course and travel between health care settings. No consensus exists regarding evaluation of documentation quality, and diverse strategies for assessing quality have been adopted in clinical ACP studies. METHODOLOGY We conducted a literature review in PubMed and via manual search to identify clinical studies that assessed ACP quality or completeness as an outcome measure over a 5-year period. Studies that treated ACP as a binary outcome variable (present or absent), studies that took place outside of the US, and studies in pediatric populations were excluded from review. RESULTS We identified 11 studies for inclusion in our review. Across study methodologies, the following 8 quality domains were identified: discussion frequency, documentation accessibility, discussion timing, health care proxy, health goals or values, scope of treatment/code status, prognosis/illness understanding, and end of life (EOL) care planning. Each study assessed between 2 and 6 domains. Divergent methods for assessing quality domains were utilized, including manual qualitative analysis and natural language processing techniques. CONCLUSION Defining and measuring the quality of documentation is critical to developing ACP programs that improve patient care. Our review provides an adaptable framework centered around quality domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie M Berkowitz
- Department of Medicine, 214908University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jessica Ma
- 20054Durham Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Medicine, 12277Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jared Lowe
- Department of Medicine, 214908University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rowena J Dolor
- Department of Medicine, 12277Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Tay DL, Ellington L, Towsley GL, Supiano K, Berg CA. Emotional expression in conversations about advance care planning among older adult home health patients and their caregivers. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:2232-2239. [PMID: 33658140 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine patient and caregivers' differences in emotional expression and explore topics associated with emotional expression during advance care planning (ACP) discussions. METHODS Older adult home health patient-caregiver dyads participated in video-recorded ACP conversations as part of a collaboration-focused intervention study. Recordings were coded in Noldus Observer XT, analyzed with descriptive statistics, Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel and Breslow-Day test, and integrated with qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Eighteen patient-caregiver dyads were purposively recruited. Participants were mostly female (11 patients; 13 caregivers). Mean ages were 68.22 (SD = 9.64) for patients and 61.28 (SD = 13.60) for caregivers. Emotional expression (depth of emotion, positive and negative valence) was similar across patients and caregivers. Conversations centered on positive and negative decisional, relational, and existential topics. CONCLUSIONS This study explored emotional expression and identified topics associated with emotion for patients and caregivers during collaborative ACP. Findings suggest that collaboration in ACP can have positive relational aspects for patient-caregiver dyads, while negative emotions can also be distressing. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This study describes the range of emotions that are common during patient and caregiver ACP discussions. Clinical implications for the assessment of caregiver support and awareness of the interdependent nature of decision making is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djin L Tay
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Lee Ellington
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Gail L Towsley
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Katherine Supiano
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Cynthia A Berg
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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Betker L, Nagelschmidt K, Leppin N, Knorrenschild JR, Volberg C, Berthold D, Sibelius U, Rief W, Barke A, von Blanckenburg P, Seifart C. The Difficulties in End-of-Life Discussions - Family Inventory (DEOLD-FI): Development and Initial Validation of a Self-Report Questionnaire in a Sample of Terminal Cancer Patients. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:e130-e138. [PMID: 33933622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Open end-of-life communication is especially important within the patient-family unit of care and can positively affect their medical, psychological, and relational outcomes. Nevertheless, end-of-life discussions are often perceived as difficult and avoided. OBJECTIVES To develop and validate the Difficulties in End-of-Life Discussions - Family Inventory (DEOLD-FI) to allow a systematic assessment of reasons why people shy away from end-of-life discussions. METHODS Patients with advanced cancer were recruited and completed the DEOLD-FI and measures of avoidance of cancer communication, quality of life and distress, and the experienced difficulty as well as the occurrence of end-of-life discussions. Standard item analyses and an exploratory factor analysis were conducted. Construct validity was analysed through associations between the DEOLD-FI and the aforementioned measures. RESULTS Questionnaires were obtained from 112 participants (53% response rate; male 54%, mean age 64.9 years [range 33-94]). In the final 23-item version two factors were extracted: 'emotional burden due to end-of-life discussions' (α = 0.90) and "negative attitudes towards end-of-life discussions" (α = 0.91) explaining 69% of the variance (total scale α = 0.93). Construct validity was supported by its significant correlations with the reported difficulty in end-of-life discussions (r = 0.42) and avoidance of cancer communication (r = 0.40 to r = 0.46) and insignificant correlations with quality of life (r = -0.11), distress (r = 0.16), and physical well-being (r = 0.02). Those who had already engaged in end-of-life discussions showed significantly fewer communication barriers. CONCLUSION Results provide evidence that the DEOLD-FI is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of difficulties in end-of-life discussions. Benefits for clinical practice and research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liv Betker
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (L.B., K.N., N.L., W.R., P.V.B.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Katharina Nagelschmidt
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (L.B., K.N., N.L., W.R., P.V.B.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nico Leppin
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (L.B., K.N., N.L., W.R., P.V.B.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jorge Riera Knorrenschild
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Haematology and Oncology (R.K.), University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Marburg Site, Germany
| | - Christian Volberg
- Faculty of Medicine, Deans Office, Research Group Medical Ethics (C.V., C.S.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Berthold
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care (D.B., U.S.), University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Giessen Site, Germany
| | - Ulf Sibelius
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care (D.B., U.S.), University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Giessen Site, Germany
| | - Winfried Rief
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (L.B., K.N., N.L., W.R., P.V.B.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Barke
- Department of Psychology (A.B.), Catholic University Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Eichstaett, Germany
| | - Pia von Blanckenburg
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (L.B., K.N., N.L., W.R., P.V.B.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Carola Seifart
- Faculty of Medicine, Deans Office, Research Group Medical Ethics (C.V., C.S.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Silies KT, Köpke S, Schnakenberg R. Informal caregivers and advance care planning: systematic review with qualitative meta-synthesis. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2021; 12:bmjspcare-2021-003095. [PMID: 33952583 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advance care planning (ACP) is a communication process about a person's values, life goals and preferences for current and future treatment and care. It can improve end-of-life care experiences for care recipients as well as for family caregivers. Knowledge about caregivers' needs might support implementation of ACP interventions suitable to both care recipients and their caregivers. OBJECTIVE To explore the experiences and attitudes of informal family caregivers, and their knowledge, regarding ACP. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted (participants: family caregivers; intervention: advance care planning; databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library). Thematic synthesis was applied to qualitative and mixed methods studies; quantitative studies were described in relation to the themes of the meta-synthesis. RESULTS 57 studies were included, of these 51 in the meta-synthesis. Three themes emerged: (1) caregiver's individual conceptualisation of ACP, (2) caregiver's relationships and (3) ACP process. These themes were incorporated into a longitudinal perspective on the caregiver's ACP trajectory, encompassing the phases (A) life before, (B) ACP process, (C) utilisation of ACP and (D) life after. The implications for ACP activities are described according to each phase. CONCLUSION For the benefit of care recipients, healthcare professionals should carefully consider caregivers' conceptualisations of ACP as well as the relationships within the family. They need to be skilled communicators, sensitive to individual needs and equipped with sufficient time resources to tailor ACP interventions to their clients' unique situation. Thus, they will support decision-making according to care recipients' wishes, caregivers' end-of-life experience and their life after bereavement. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018082492.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sascha Köpke
- Institute of Nursing Science, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rieke Schnakenberg
- Department for Health Services Research, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Testoni I, Palazzo L, Calamarà N, Rossi G, Wieser MA. "Imagine You Have ALS": Death Education to Prepare for Advance Treatment Directives. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:6. [PMID: 33419214 PMCID: PMC7825599 DOI: 10.3390/bs11010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The study presents the results of qualitative research carried out within a death education project dedicated to advance treatment directives (ATDs) in which it was proposed to participants to empathize with people who had received a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The study involved 104 people who discussed and reflected on issues related to the knowledge of having to die, palliative care and ATDs, investigating what choices they would have made if they had received such a diagnosis. Finally, they were asked to write a paper describing their impressions and hypothetical choices. Qualitative analysis has elucidated among fundamental themes. Four thematic areas emerged from the data analysis: (1) ATDs and the family; (2) the importance of reducing pain and suffering; (3) emotions and considerations regarding death, illness and spirituality; and (4) opinions on the DeEd course. It has emerged that some people are unfamiliar with palliative care or the right to self-determination and that addressing these issues helps manage the thought of the future with less terror. The experience of death education has therefore proven to be very positive in dealing with complex and often censored issues, allowing thinking about death in a less distressing way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Testoni
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (N.C.)
- Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
| | - Lorenza Palazzo
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (N.C.)
| | - Nicoletta Calamarà
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (N.C.)
| | - Gabriella Rossi
- Unione Italiana Lotta alla Distrofia Muscolare (UILDM)—Milano Section, 20124 Milan, Italy;
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Frechman E, Dietrich MS, Walden RL, Maxwell CA. Exploring the Uptake of Advance Care Planning in Older Adults: An Integrative Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:1208-1222.e59. [PMID: 32645455 PMCID: PMC7342022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Advance care planning (ACP) is essential to elicit goals, values, and preferences of care in older adults with serious illness and on trajectories of frailty. An exploration of ACP uptake in older adults may identify barriers and facilitators. OBJECTIVE To conduct an integrative review of research on the uptake of ACP in older adults and create a conceptual model of the findings. METHODS Using Whittemore and Knafl's methodology, we systematically searched four electronic databases of ACP literature in older adults from 1996 through December 2019. Critical appraisal tools were used to assess study quality, and articles were categorized according to level of evidence. Statistical and thematic analysis was then undertaken. RESULTS Among 1081 studies, 78 met inclusion criteria. Statistical analysis evaluated ACP and variables within the domains of demographics, psychosocial, disability and functioning, and miscellaneous. Thematic analysis identified a central category of enhanced communication, followed by categories of 1) provider role and preparation; 2) patient/family relationship patterns; 3) standardized processes and structured approaches; 4) contextual influences; and 5) missed opportunities. A conceptual model depicted categories and relationships. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced communication and ACP facilitators improve uptake of ACP. Clinicians should be cognizant of these factors. This review provides a guide for clinicians who are considering implementation strategies to facilitate ACP in real-world settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Frechman
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
| | - Mary S Dietrich
- Vanderbilt University Schools of Medicine and Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rachel Lane Walden
- Vanderbilt University Eskind Biomedical Library, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Cathy A Maxwell
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Nagelschmidt K, Leppin N, Seifart C, Rief W, von Blanckenburg P. Systematic mixed-method review of barriers to end-of-life communication in the family context. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2020; 11:253-263. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundCommunication about the end of life is especially important in the family context, as patients and their families are considered as the care unit in palliative care. Open end-of-life communication can positively affect medical, psychological and relational outcomes during the dying process for patient and family. Regardless of the benefits of end-of-life conversations, many patients and their family caregivers speak little about relevant end-of-life issues.AimTo identify barriers that hinder or influence the discussion of end-of-life issues in the family context.DesignA systematic mixed-method review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines.Data sourcesA systematic search of PsycInfo, CINAHL, PubMed and Web of Science was conducted and extended with a hand search. Peer-reviewed primary studies reporting on the barriers to or difficulties in end-of-life conversations experienced by terminally ill patients and/or family caregivers were included in this review.Results18 qualitative and two quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria. The experiences of n=205 patients and n=738 family caregivers were analysed qualitatively; n=293 patients and n=236 caregivers were surveyed in the questionnaire studies. Five overarching categories emerged from the extracted data: emotional, cognitive, communicative, relational and external processes can hinder end-of-life communication within the family. The most frequently reported barriers are emotional and cognitive processes such as protective buffering or belief in positive thinking.ConclusionsResearch on end-of-life communication barriers in the family context is scarce. Further research should enhance the development of appropriate assessment tools and interventions to support families with the challenges experienced regarding end-of-life conversations.
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