Advance care planning in a community setting
Josaleen Connolly Clinical improvement practitioner, cancer-palliative care, Clinical Improvement Unit, NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Stuart Milligan Lecturer, School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery and education facilitator, University of the West of Scotland and Ardgowan Hospice
Elaine Stevens Lecturer in cancer and palliative care and education manager, University of the West of Scotland and The Ayrshire Hospice
Susan Jackson Lecturer in cancer and palliative care, University of the West of Scotland and Accord Hospice
Kevin Rooney Consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine, and professor of care improvement, Royal Alexandra Hospital and University of the West of Scotland, Scotland
Aim To evaluate the effects of implementing an advance care planning process within pilot sites in North Ayrshire in 2010, focusing on people with palliative care needs.
Method Data were collected from participants in advance care planning training using a questionnaire. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and an audit of documentation was undertaken.
Results Thirty nine questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 16%. Twenty four out of 25 (96%) participants rated the training as having improved their understanding of the advance care planning process. The general consensus in interviews was that advance care planning is a worthwhile process. Participants reported patients achieving their preferred place of end of life care and greater consultation regarding hospitalisation.
Conclusion Within the pilot sites, advance care planning training enhanced the ability of professionals to implement the advance care planning process and record the wishes of patients and residents.
Nursing Standard.
29, 23, 43-51.
doi: 10.7748/ns.29.23.43.e8467
Peer review
This article has been subject to double blind peer review
Received: 18 October 2013
Accepted: 11 July 2014
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