A multi-site study on the impact of an advance care planning workshop on attitudes, beliefs and behavioural intentions over a 6-month period

Abstract

Background This study evaluated the impact of the adapted version of the Respecting Choices® The Living Matters Advance Care Planning (ACP) facilitator training programme on trainees’ attitudes on facilitation 6 months post-training. Setting and participants Two hundred and twenty-one healthcare professionals consisting of doctors, nurses, medical social workers from different training venues in Singapore participated in the first phase of the study (pre- and post) of which 107 participated in the second phase 6 months later (follow-up). Methods Participants self-rated their attitudes, beliefs and behavioural intentions through surveys at three time points in an evaluation design that utilised repeated measures one-way ANOVA (pre-, post-, follow-up). Between-group differences were also examined using independent t-test. Results At follow-up, mean scores increased significantly in understanding, confidence, and competence. Changes in effect sizes were large. Although trainees continued to think that ACP is emotionally draining for facilitators, more than before, facilitation experience was considered pleasant for themselves with the positive change significant and moderate in effect size. Those who had experience completing/initiating ACP significantly held more positive views than those who did not. Conclusions The ACP facilitator training programme had lasting effects on enhancing the understanding, competence, and confidence of trainees. Importantly, findings showed that experience in actual facilitation within 6 months after training was important and giving trainees opportunities to facilitate is recommended.

Communication in Cancer Care in Asia: A Narrative Review

“…The CST embedded in Respecting Choices, an ACP program developed in the United States, was first introduced in Asian regions, including Singapore and Hong Kong, in the 2000s. 77 , 78 Recently, VitalTalk and Serious Illness Care Program, two evidence-based CST initiatives also founded in the United States, have been adapted in Japan and Hong Kong. 79 , 80 Multiple pedagogies were used for training, including didactic lectures, demonstration videos, role plays, and simulations.…”

Correction to: A multi-site study on the impact of an advance care planning workshop on attitudes, beliefs and behavioural intentions over a 6-month period

“…Following publication of the original article [ 1 ], we have been informed that the author J. Low had the affiliation incorrectly assigned.…”