Delivering an advance care planning facilitated model

Abstract

Background: Advance care planning is increasingly recognised as an integral part of achieving excellence at the end of life (EoL), but barriers still prevent individuals from having the opportunity to discuss their wishes and preferences for the future.

Aim: To describe the development and initial evaluations of an innovative facilitated ACP model, the ACP Triple E, which empowers individuals through education to engage in ACP conversations.

Methods: This model uses a collaborative approach involving all sectors of a large university health board to equip all health and social care professionals with the knowledge, skills and confidence to engage in ACP discussion and also raise public awareness of the benefits of ACP.

Conclusion: This model includes recognised elements that support successful implementation of ACP. Initial evaluations of the model are extremely positive. Further analysis of the data is now needed to evaluate the model's flexibility and its ability to change practice and achieve strategic objectives.

Keywords: Advance care planning; Education; End of life; Facilitated model.