Patients with CHF find decision aid for ACP helpful and computer-generated advance directive accurate

Abstract

The fl uctuating clinical course of congestive heart failure involves recurrent medical crises and readmission rates of ~50% within 6 months following hospital discharge. The consequent focus on acute care measures often results in insuffi cient emphasis on advance care planning (ACP). This pilot study examined whether an interactive computer-based decision aid can effectively address this need by helping individuals with advanced CHF engage in ACP. Adults with advanced congestive heart failure (i.e., Stage 3 or 4) were recruited from a single cardiovascular clinic; screened for cognitive ability, moderate/ severe depression, and ≥8 th grade reading level; and asked to on 19 June

The era of “e”: The use of new technologies in advance care planning

“…Green & Levi, 2009; Levi & Green, 2010). To date, this integrated e-planning program has been used exclusively in educational and research settings, where accumulated evidence shows that the program is reliable and accurate in reflecting patient wishes (Levi & Green, 2012; Levi, Heverley, & Green, 2011; Schubart et al, 2012); user-friendly (Hossler, Levi, Simmons, & Green, 2010); and effective at increasing knowledge about ACP, communication between patients and loved ones, and surrogate understanding of patient values and wishes (M. J.…”