Protocol for a national prevalence study of advance care planning documentation and self-reported uptake in Australia

摘要: Introduction Advance care planning (ACP) is a process between person, their family/carer(s) and healthcare providers that supports adults at any age or stage of health in understanding sharing personal values, life goals preferences regarding future medical care. The Australian government funds number national initiatives aimed increasing ACP uptake; however, there currently no standardised data on formal documentation self-reported uptake. This makes it difficult to evaluate the impact initiatives. study aims determine prevalence completion Care Directives (ACDs) hospitals, aged facilities general practices. It will also explore people’s use views about process. Methods analysis Researchers conduct multicentre cross-sectional study, consisting record audit surveys people 65 years more three sectors. From 49 participating organisations, 50 records be audited (total 2450 records). People whose were audited, who speak English have decision-making capacity invited complete survey. primary outcome measure informal can located within 15 min. Other outcomes include demographics, illness functional capacity, details (including type document), location person’s whether current clinical plans are consistent with documentation. surveyed, interest, uptake ACP/ACDs, quality life. Ethics dissemination protocol has been approved by Austin Health Human Research Committee (reference HREC/17/Austin/83). Results submitted international peer-reviewed journals presented conferences. Trial registration ACTRN12617000743369