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

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., …Hanna-Trainor, L. (2020). Advance care planning: exploration of the public’s understanding. In Abstracts from the 11th EAPC World Research Congress Online, 7th – 9th October 2020. Palliative medicine, 34(1_suppl), https://doi.org/10.1177/0269216320958098

• Journal Article Type: Meeting Abstract
• Conference Name: 11th EAPC World Research Congress
• Conference Location: Online
• 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
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-030X
• 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