Study protocol to investigate the efficacy of normalisation of Advance Care Planning (ACP) for people with chronic diseases in acute and community settings: a quasi-experimental design

• DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4118-x
• Publication Date: 2019-05-06T14:32:20Z
• Authors: Sarah Jeong; Tomiko Barrett; Se Ok Ohr; Peter Cleasby; Michael David; Sally Chan; Helen Fairlamb; Ryan Davey; Peter Saul
• Keywords: Health administration; Advance Care Planning

Advanced care planning (ACP) is a process that involves thinking about what medical one would like should individuals be seriously ill and cannot communicate decisions treatment for themselves. The literature indicates ACP leads to increased satisfaction from both patients healthcare professionals. Despite the well-known benefits of ACP, it still underutilised in Australia. aim this study investigate effects normalising acute community settings with use specially trained normalisation agents. This quasi-experimental study, involving 16 sites (8 intervention 8 control) two health districts A minimum total 288 participants will recruited (144 intervention, 144 control). We train four registered nurses as agents sites, who promote facilitate discussions adult chronic conditions hospital settings. An audit prevalence Care Directives (ACDs) conducted before after 6-month period at assess service delivered by these also collect interview survey data families participate, professionals are involved capture their experiences ACP. potentially contribute better patient outcomes services. Completion ACDs allow express wishes receive they wish for, well ease family burden making difficult decisions. development new best practice model normalise sustainable transferable processes of: 1) initiation conversation; 2) discussion important issues; 3) documentation wishes; 4) storage documented 5) access execution wishes. generate evidence on challenges, strategies into project has been approved Hunter New England Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval No. 17/12/13/4.16). It retrospectively 3 October 2018 Australian Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Trial ID: ACTRN12618001627246 ). operate accordance National Health Medical Council's Statement Ethical Conduct (2007) CPMP/ICH Note Guidance Good Practice.