No abstract

This exploratory, qualitative research explored the ethical problems faced by hospital social workers in South Korea and Australia, and what and who influenced their decision making using a focus group design. Although dilemmas of boundaries, confidentiality, self-determination, and other complex scenarios found in practice were identified, moral distress, a consequence of the unresolvable conflicts, dominated participants' narratives. This was particularly the case for the Korean social workers in this sample. A thematic analysis of the data yielded three main themes: 'Under pressure-"It's very uncomfortable"'; 'Failing our patients'; and 'Coping and codes'.

To evaluate the impact of advance care planning (ACP) education with people aged ≥60 years living in the community. The interactive workshop explored all aspects of ACP-legal, emotional, physical, spiritual, role of significant others-and allowed reflection time, questions, and group discussion. Evaluation of knowledge and attitudes toward ACP were completed pre-and post-training. Readiness-to-change and feedback about the workshop quality were collected post-training. Eleven workshops were delivered in Queensland (132 matched pre-and post-questionnaires compared for analysis). Participant's ACP knowledge and confidence increased significantly (12/13 statements, p<0.05) alongside some shift in attitudes (4/12 statements, p<0.05) after training. Participants were engaged and rated the workshop positively. Single ACP workshops are an effective intervention for healthy older people in the community. Training should focus on demystifying legislation and documentation, the importance of planning and communicating wishes while still healthy, and the need to regularly review and update plans. Follow-up is required to assess translation of education into ACP action.