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BMC Palliative Care
Published in: BMC Palliative Care 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Research article

Discussing end of life wishes – the impact of community interventions?

Authors: Katharine Abba, Mari Lloyd-Williams, Siobhan Horton

Published in: BMC Palliative Care | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Many people do not discuss end of life preferences with those closest to them, although this can be beneficial to the individual and wider population. This study evaluated a community intervention to promote end of life preparation and discussion among people who are currently well.

Methods

A series of presentations and workshops (the intervention) were delivered to community groups and people working within health and social care. Participants were invited to complete a three-stage follow-up survey at Baseline, Post intervention and at three months' follow-up.

Results

Baseline questionnaires were completed by 498 individuals. Overall, 51% reported talking with close family or friends about their end of life care and 58% reported talking about what they would like to happen after their death. There was a significant positive relationship between increasing age group and having talked about end of life wishes. The majority of participants were already comfortable in talking about end of life (overall mean score 8.28/10). Post intervention, 73% stated that they planned to take action including 61% who planned a specific conversation and 55% who planned another action. At follow-up 64% reported that they had taken some action due to the intervention, including 43% who had talked about their own end of life preferences and 39% who had taken some other action.

Conclusions

Well-designed community-based interventions can be successful in prompting people to consider and discuss their end of life preferences.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Discussing end of life wishes – the impact of community interventions?
Authors
Katharine Abba
Mari Lloyd-Williams
Siobhan Horton
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Palliative Care / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1472-684X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-019-0407-8

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