How Experts Define Advance Care Planning
Author Information
Author(s): van der Steen Jenny, de Wit Emma, Visser Mandy, Nakanishi Miharu, Van den Block Lieve, Korfage Ida, Der Schmitten Jürgen, Sudore Rebecca
Hypothesis
It is unclear how the conceptualization of Advance Care Planning (ACP) has been adopted internationally.
Conclusion
International experts from 30 countries typically defined ACP as person-centered conversations to choose future care and treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- Almost half (45%) of experts defined ACP from a patient perspective.
- Five categories appeared in more than half of the definitions: 'Choosing between options', 'Care and treatment', 'Planning for the future', 'Individual person', and 'Having conversations.'
- The definition of categories and perspectives did not appreciably differ between physicians and other professions.
Takeaway
Advance Care Planning is about talking to patients about their future care choices, and experts around the world mostly see it as a conversation about what the patient wants.
Methodology
Content analysis of definitions provided by experts in a Delphi study on ACP.
Limitations
The study may not capture all variations in ACP definitions across different cultures and practices.
Participant Demographics
Experts in ACP from 30 countries, including various professions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website