The Web-Based Advance Care Planning Program “Explore Your Preferences for Treatment and Care”: Development, Pilot Study, and Before-and-After Evaluation

Abstract

Background Web-based advance care planning (ACP) programs may support patients in thinking about and discussing their preferences for future treatment and care. However, they are not widely available, and only a limited number of programs are evidence based. Objective We aimed to develop and evaluate an evidence-based, interactive web-based ACP program that guides users through the process of thinking about, discussing, and recording of preferences for treatment and care. Methods The program “Explore your preferences for treatment and care” was developed, pilot-tested on feasibility, and subsequently evaluated; engagement in ACP was assessed before program completion and 2 months after program completion using the ACP Engagement Survey (score 1-5) among 147 persons with chronic disease. Usability (score 0-100) and user satisfaction (score 1-5) were also assessed. Results ACP engagement increased from 2.8 before program completion to 3.0 two months after program completion (P<.001); contemplation about ACP increased from 2.6 to 2.8 (P=.003), and readiness for ACP increased from 2.2 to 2.5 (P<.001). No changes were found for knowledge about ACP (3.0-3.2; P=.07) and self-efficacy for ACP (3.8-3.8; P=.25). The program was perceived as usable (mean 70, SD 13), attractive (mean 3.8, SD 0.7), and comprehensible (mean 4.2, SD 0.6). Conclusions We developed an evidence-based, interactive web-based ACP program in cocreation with patients, relatives, and health care professionals. Before-and-after evaluation showed that the program can support people in taking first steps in ACP and in reflecting on preferences for treatment and care, by guiding them through the process of ACP using a stepwise approach. Participants perceived the program as usable and understandable, and they were satisfied with the program and with the amount of information. Health care professionals may use the program as a tool to start ACP discussions with their patients. The program may increase awareness of ACP.

Complex advance care planning intervention in general practice (ACP-GP): a cluster-randomised controlled trial

“… 49 Compared with a 2022 study of a web-based ACP programme in the Netherlands, using the 34-item Dutch ACP Engagement Survey, the authors of the present study found that readiness for ACP especially appeared to increase more in both ACP-GP study groups. 50 A trial of an interactive ACP guide, Plan Well Guide , for patients at high risk of health decline showed an increase in both groups, and potentially larger increases in readiness than self-efficacy, 51 similar to findings in the current trial.…”

Tools for tomorrow: a scoping review of patient-facing tools for advance care planning

“… 77 , 78 , 104 , 105 , 125 , 139 , 143 , 152 , 153 , 157 , 159 Seven tools were delivered online or through a computer with some tools custom-designed for specific populations. 39 – 43 , 96 , 106 , 119 , 117 , 120 , 142 Six tools utilized print materials. 111 , 136 , 146 , 160 , 163 , 164 Other interventions were more interactive: three tools involved various sorts of games of sorts, most prominently card games such as the Go Wish, a play on the Go Fish card game.…”