Abstract

Background and Review of Literature: Since the enactment of the Patient Self-Determination Act in 1990, advance directive completion rates remain low. Although interventions to increase readiness and completion of advance directives (ADs) have been studied, it is unclear which are most effective. Past research has established the importance of AD completion while an individual is well and more likely to make sound decisions. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement an evidence-based program to increase readiness for AD completion in adults during an hour-long, group-based discussion. Methods: Members of a local community center were invited to attend an hour-long program to learn about ADs and documenting end-of-life wishes. The Conversation Project was the program chosen to guide the hour-long meeting. A pre and post-test were used to measure the difference in readiness to complete an AD before and after the program. A dependent t-test was used to determine whether there was a significant difference in readiness between the pre and post-test. Results: There was a significant difference between participants’ readiness scores before and after the intervention, suggesting that individuals who participated in the intervention were significantly more ready to complete an AD (p = 0.0497). Interpretation and Discussion: This project evaluated the efficacy of a community-based intervention focused on increasing adults’ readiness for AD completion. A positive association between the intervention and readiness to complete an AD was observed. These findings reinforce previous research efforts that support community-based interventions to increase AD completion. Conclusion: End-of-life decisions should be considered just as pertinent as any other decision an individual will make in their lifetime. Implementing an AD program in the community is important, as it is more likely that individuals are in a position to make end-of-life decisions. The findings from this capstone project suggest that an hour-long, group-based discussion can result in increased readiness for AD completion.

Author Details

Marcella Sorrell, DNP, APRN-NP; Hilary Applequist, DNP, APRN-NP, ACHPN

Sigma Membership

Tau Tau

Lead Author Affiliation

Nebraska Methodist College, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Other

Research Approach

Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice

Keywords:

Advance Directive, Community Engagement, Group Discussion, Lack of Knowledge, Consumer Participation, Community Health Nursing

Advisor

Applequist, Hilary

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

Nebraska Methodist College

Degree Year

2018

Rights Holder

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Review Type

Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

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