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Dissertation
Enhancing Advance Care Planning Awareness in a Rural Iowa Family Medicine Clinic
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2024
Abstract
Background: Without advance care planning (ACP) awareness, patients and families may encounter difficult medical choices and treatments that do not match their preferences. ACP involves discussing and preparing for future decisions about an individual’s medical care if they become seriously ill or unable to communicate their wishes. With a growing aging population, the prevalence of chronic illnesses, and extended longevity, there’s an urgent need to raise awareness of ACP in primary care. However, despite increasing ACP use, it remains underutilized due to reluctance, discomfort, and lack of training among healthcare professionals. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to increase ACP awareness in community-dwelling individuals utilizing an intervention called the “ACP Interest Form.” Methods: This project took place in a rural Iowa family medicine clinic focusing on patients ages 65+ attending their Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. Front desk staff and health coaches were trained on the form. The form was handed out by the front desk. If the patient indicated they were interested in receiving further information, they were handed an ACP informational packet and received a follow-up phone call. Findings: 374 patients were eligible to receive the ACP interest form, while 214 (57%) of patients actually received it. In total, 178 (83%) patients completed the form. Overall, 38 patients identified they wanted like to receive additional information on ACP. Of these individuals, 74% of them received a follow-up phone call from the health coach certified in facilitating ACP conversations. Discussion: The ACP interest form served as an opportunity to offer ACP information to all patients, regardless of their readiness level. Through this form, ACP awareness reached 214 people who may not have been exposed otherwise. Although active engagement was lacking in this project, evidence highlights the importance of raising awareness regardless of readiness level.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Enhancing Advance Care Planning Awareness in a Rural Iowa Family Medicine Clinic
- Creators
- Molly Beth Brecht - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Larry Newman (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care)
- Date degree season
- Spring 2024
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2024 Molly Beth Brecht
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984627256402771
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