What do hospital professionals report as helping in overcoming obstacles for ACP decision-making? A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Advance Care Planning (ACP) can be defined as an ongoing process of communication between patients and (in-) formal caregivers to help an individual identify, reflect upon, discuss, and express her or his values, beliefs, goals, and priorities to guide individual care and treatment decision making when nearing end of life. Studies suggest ACP is not well implemented in the hospital setting. This contrast sharply to the necessity of those conversations in hospitals: treatment decisions are made which potentially have a big impact on the patient's and families quality of life. AIMS: In order to facilitate the implementation of the ACP decision making process in hospital, it might be interesting to know what helps hospital professionals to overcome challenges.