The Current State of Advance Care Planning in Nursing Homes and the Background Affecting Its Practice

Abstract

[ Purpose] To clarify the current state of advance care planning (ACP) in nursing homes and to examine the background that affects its practice.

[ Methods] Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven nurses working at nursing homes, and data was analyzed by qualitative analysis.

[ Results] At nursing homes, the current state observed comprised [prioritizing the will of the family] while experiencing [confusion between ACP and advance directive

(AD) ] and [accepting the needs of the elderly]. In practicing ACP, nurses found that [it is difficult to confirm the intention of the elderly] and that [ACP complicates work]. In the background, there was a [lack of knowledge and experience about ACP] and [barriers in promoting ACP].

[ Conclusion] Nurses were confused between ACP and AD. There was a lack of knowledge about ACP and barriers in promoting ACP.