This rapid review of quantitative and qualitative publications of any design indexed in PUBMED between January 2020-April 2021 investigates barriers and enablers of advance care planning (ACP) worldwide in the early stages of the life-threatening COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-four papers were included: 35 primary research studies (cohorts, reviews, case studies, and cross-sectional designs) and 39 commentaries. Publications from hospitals, outpatient services, aged care and community indicated widespread interest in accelerating ACP documentation to facilitate management decisions and goal-aligned care. Enablers of ACP included targeted public awareness, availability of telehealth, access to online tools and a person-centered approaches. Barriers included uncertainty regarding clinical outcomes, cultural or communication difficulties, legal and ethical considerations, infection control restrictions, lack of time, and limited resources and support systems. The opportunities for rapid implementation of ACP offered by the social distancing restrictions and high demand for health services are valuable in informing future policy and practice

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