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Advance care planning: exploration of the public’s understanding. In Abstracts from the 11th EAPC World Research Congress Online, 7th – 9th October 2020

Mcllfatrick, Sonja; Hasson, Felicity; Slater, Paul; Beck, Esther; McCloskey, Sharon; Carr, Karen; Muldrew, Deborah; Bamidele, Olufikayo; Hanna-Trainor, Lisa

Authors

Sonja Mcllfatrick

Felicity Hasson

Paul Slater

Esther Beck

Sharon McCloskey

Karen Carr

Deborah Muldrew

Lisa Hanna-Trainor



Abstract

Background/aims: Advance care planning, a voluntary process whereby an individual outline their preferences and beliefs, to aid in planning for end of life care, is widely considered an essential step for achieving a `good death”. Raising awareness of ACP is one of the key strategies within a public health approach to palliative care. However, research into the public’s awareness and participation of ACP remains limited.

Methods: Qualitative method, comprising of 20 in-depth exploratory interviews and two focus groups (n=5) were undertaken with a purposive sample of adults (n=25). Data were analysed using NVivo 10 software, based on thematic analysis.

Results: Whilst participants supported the concept of ACP, confusion regarding the terminology, utilisation and application existed. Beliefs that prior exposure to illness was the key prompt to engaging and developing such plans, led to misconceptions regarding their focus and who was involved in their development. Most participants had not engaged in ACP, believing them not to be relevant nor flexible to changes throughout the life course. Key elements identified of a public health approach to ACP included engagement and health education.

Conclusions: Whilst ACP was deemed a worthwhile health behaviour, a lack of understanding and information were major barriers to adoption. The results offer an insight into the public’s awareness of ACP highlighting the need for greater public health initiatives to promote this.

Citation

Mcllfatrick, S., Hasson, F., Slater, P., Beck, E., McCloskey, S., Carr, K., Muldrew, D., Bamidele, O., & Hanna-Trainor, L. Advance care planning: exploration of the public’s understanding. In Abstracts from the 11th EAPC World Research Congress Online, 7th – 9th October 2020. Presented at 11th EAPC World Research Congress, Online

Presentation Conference Type Conference Abstract
Conference Name 11th EAPC World Research Congress
Acceptance Date Sep 21, 2020
Online Publication Date Sep 21, 2020
Publication Date 2020-09
Deposit Date May 5, 2021
Journal Palliative Medicine
Print ISSN 0269-2163
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 34
Issue 1_suppl
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0269216320958098
Keywords Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine; General Medicine
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3717650
Additional Information Abstract number: P01-377

Abstract type: Poster