Introduction
The implementation of the theory-based Advance Care Planning (ACP+) programme in nursing homes represents a significant advancement in integrating advance care planning into routine care. This blog aims to guide practitioners in enhancing their skills by understanding and applying the outcomes of the ACP+ programme. The ACP+ programme is a multicomponent intervention designed to support nursing home staff in implementing ACP effectively, thereby improving outcomes for residents and their families.
Understanding the ACP+ Programme
The ACP+ programme is a structured intervention delivered over eight months, involving external trainers who guide nursing home staff through the process. The programme focuses on increasing staff knowledge and self-efficacy regarding ACP, which are crucial for its successful implementation. The cluster randomised controlled trial conducted in Flanders, Belgium, evaluates the effects of ACP+ on nursing home staff and volunteer outcomes, providing valuable insights into the programme's effectiveness.
Key Findings and Implications for Practitioners
The research highlighted several critical outcomes that practitioners can leverage to improve their skills:
- Increased Knowledge and Self-Efficacy: The ACP+ programme significantly enhances nursing home staff's understanding of ACP and their confidence in conducting ACP conversations. Practitioners should focus on continuous education and training to maintain and improve these competencies.
- Improved Attitudes and Practices: Staff attitudes towards ACP and their practices showed marked improvement, indicating that structured interventions can positively influence care delivery. Practitioners should strive to integrate ACP discussions into routine care, making it a standard practice rather than an exception.
- Process Evaluation Insights: The process evaluation revealed the importance of context and implementation fidelity in achieving desired outcomes. Practitioners should be mindful of the unique context of their practice settings and ensure that interventions are adapted appropriately to fit local needs.
Encouraging Further Research
While the ACP+ programme has demonstrated effectiveness, there is a need for further research to explore its long-term impacts on patient and family outcomes. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or initiate studies that assess the sustainability and broader applicability of ACP interventions. Engaging in research not only contributes to the evidence base but also enhances practitioners' understanding and skills in delivering high-quality care.
Conclusion
The ACP+ programme offers a robust framework for implementing advance care planning in nursing homes. By focusing on enhancing knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes, practitioners can significantly improve care outcomes. Continuous learning and adaptation to local contexts are essential for the successful integration of ACP into routine practice. For practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding and application of ACP, further research and engagement with evidence-based interventions like ACP+ are crucial.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Implementing the theory-based advance care planning ACP+ programme for nursing homes: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial and process evaluation.
