Prevalence, perceived barriers and sociodemographic correlates of advance care planning in a sample of outpatients
Elise Mansfield A B C E , Sarah Jeong B D , Amy Waller A B C and Sally Chan B DA Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
B Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
C Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lot 1, Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
D School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: Elise.Mansfield@newcastle.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 26(1) 76-80 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY19096
Submitted: 23 May 2019 Accepted: 20 September 2019 Published: 23 December 2019
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the prevalence and perceived barriers to uptake of advance care planning (ACP), including appointment of an enduring guardian (EG) and completion of an advance care directive (ACD) among Australian adults attending hospital outpatient clinics. Sociodemographic correlates of not completing ACP were also assessed. A cross-sectional survey exploring the uptake of ACP was conducted with outpatients and their accompanying persons aged >18 years (n = 191) at one regional hospital in New South Wales, Australia. Rates of completion of an ACD and appointment of an EG were 20% (n = 37) and 35% (n = 67) respectively. The most common reason for non-completion of an ACD and not appointing an EG was: ‘didn’t think I needed this’. Younger age was associated with not having appointed an EG (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2–12.1, P = 0.02). No sociodemographic characteristics were significantly associated with non-completion of ACDs. Uptake of ACP is suboptimal among outpatients. Community-based healthcare providers are well positioned to promote ACP with outpatients.
Additional keywords: health services, health services research, palliative care.
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