Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a critical component of patient-centered care, particularly for individuals with neurological and neurosurgical conditions. These patients often face progressive cognitive decline and other challenges that necessitate early and individualized ACP support. The research article "Introducing a Supportive Care Team for Advance Directive Education in a Neurological and Neurosurgical Patient Population" offers valuable insights into enhancing ACP through the integration of a Supportive Care Team (SCT) in clinical settings.
The Role of Supportive Care Teams
The SCT model is designed to provide ACP education and support in outpatient clinics, normalizing discussions about care values and encouraging patients to consider their future healthcare preferences. This team comprises hospice volunteers and undergraduate Quality Improvement interns who engage with patients during clinic visits.
Key Findings from the Study
- Increased ACP Education: The SCT effectively enhances ACP education among neurological and neurosurgical patients. Over the study period, 2770 encounters were initiated, with the majority resulting in patient education on ACP.
- Advance Directive Completion: Some patients completed Advance Directives (ADs) during their SCT encounter (3.45%) or after the encounter (10.18%). This demonstrates the SCT's role in facilitating AD completion.
- Utilization of Interns: The inclusion of trained undergraduate interns proved beneficial in providing ACP education, showcasing that such conversations do not require formal medical training.
Practical Implications for Practitioners
The integration of SCTs into clinical practice offers several advantages for practitioners aiming to improve their skills in ACP facilitation:
- Leverage Non-Medical Personnel: Incorporate trained volunteers or interns to assist with ACP discussions, freeing up medical staff to focus on clinical tasks while ensuring patients receive necessary education.
- Normalize ACP Conversations: Encourage regular discussions about ACP during clinic visits to reduce stigma and increase patient comfort with these topics.
- Facilitate AD Completion: Provide resources and support for patients to complete ADs during or after clinic visits, ensuring their healthcare preferences are documented.
Encouraging Further Research
This study highlights the effectiveness of SCTs in enhancing ACP education but also points to areas for further research. Practitioners can contribute to this field by exploring:
- Long-Term Impact: Investigate the long-term effects of SCT interventions on patient outcomes and satisfaction with care.
- Diverse Populations: Examine how SCTs can be adapted to meet the needs of diverse patient populations with varying levels of health literacy and cultural backgrounds.
- Technology Integration: Explore how digital tools can complement SCT efforts in facilitating remote ACP discussions and AD completion.
Conclusion
The implementation of a Supportive Care Team within neurology and neurosurgery clinics represents a promising approach to improving advance care planning. By leveraging non-medical personnel for ACP education, practitioners can enhance patient engagement and ensure that healthcare preferences are respected. As our understanding of effective ACP strategies continues to evolve, ongoing research will be crucial in refining these practices for diverse patient populations.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Introducing a Supportive Care Team for Advance Directive Education in a Neurological and Neurosurgical Patient Population.
