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BMC Palliative Care

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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Care | Research article

Underlying goals of advance care planning (ACP): a qualitative analysis of the literature

Authors: Nienke Fleuren, Marja F. I. A. Depla, Daisy J. A. Janssen, Martijn Huisman, Cees M. P. M. Hertogh

Published in: BMC Palliative Care | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Since the introduction of the concept of advance care planning (ACP), many studies have been conducted exploring beneficial effects. These studies show a heterogeneity in clinical endpoints, which reflects diversity of goals connected to ACP. This study aims to get insight in the range of underlying goals that comprise the legitimacy of ACP.

Methods

Systematic literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, PsychInfo, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. Articles on normative aspects of ACP were included, based on title and abstract. Due to the quantity of inclusions, of which many had similar content, purposive sampling was used to select articles for full text document analysis. Analysis stopped once saturation was reached.

Results

In total, 6497 unique articles were found of which 183 were included. Saturation was reached after document analysis of 55 articles (30%); this yielded 141 codes concerning goals of ACP and also 70 codes about objections against ACP, which shed light on the underlying goals of ACP as well. We identified five underlying goals: respecting individual patient autonomy, improving quality of care, strengthening relationships, preparing for end-of-life, reducing overtreatment.

Conclusions

Five distinctive underlying goals of ACP were identified, each with corresponding objections that need to be considered. Specifying underlying goals of ACP may direct the debate on definitions, methods and preferred outcomes of ACP.

This study was funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, grant 839120002.

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Title: Underlying goals of advance care planning (ACP): a qualitative analysis of the literature
Authors: Nienke Fleuren
Marja F. I. A. Depla
Daisy J. A. Janssen
Martijn Huisman
Cees M. P. M. Hertogh
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Care
Living Will
Published in: BMC Palliative Care / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1472-684X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-020-0535-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Underlying goals of advance care planning (ACP): a qualitative analysis of the literature

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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