Date of Publication
2024
Project Team
Margaret Aitken DNP, APRN
Abstract
Background: Advance care planning (ACP) encourages patients to consider their healthcare goals and communicate them with family and healthcare providers. The ACP process promotes patient-centered care and decision-making in accordance with the patient’s goals and wishes. While about 50% of Americans adults have completed advance directives (AD), as few as 10% have had ACP discussions with their primary care provider (PCP).
Purpose: The purpose of this project was to increase the number of ACP discussions initiated during a routine office visit with a primary care by implementing a patient-centered intervention.
Methods: Patients meeting specific criteria were identified using a report created in the EHR. Eligible patients were mailed a letter describing the benefits of ACP. 8 of these patients also received a blank AD document. Two PDSA cycles were completing during the project and were used to evaluate and modify interventions.
Results: 68 unique patient charts were reviewed. Of these, 35 were eligible participants. During the project, 3 participants provided a previously completed AD, one participant completed an AD, and 3 participants were referred for future ACP discussion, accounting for 20% of eligible participants.
Discussion: Preparing patients in advance of a scheduled appointment to consider their healthcare goals and preferences can increase rates of ACP discussion. Patients should be encouraged to provide a copy of their pre-existing AD, if they have one. A process for follow up may improve ACP discussion rates.
Document Type
Project
Recommended Citation
Jacobs, Pamela N., "Promoting Advance Care Planning in Primary Care" (2024). College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications. 143.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/cnhsdnp/143
