Person centred care that empowers patients to express and document their preferences for care is challenging for many reasons including limited knowledge of Advance Care Planning, discomfort with topic, timing of discussions and processes to support patients in their values and choices. A novel virtual method from a community health service has around a 70% completion rate of ACDs. 

 

The Virtually Enhanced Community Care (VeCC) service comprises a multidisciplinary team where care is delivered virtually. The service provides medical monitoring, nursing, and allied health interventions to people with end stage respiratory and cardiac conditions. VeCC Social Workers lead Advance Care Planning and completion of directives. The process of patient engagement is as important as the outcome and is pivotal to the success of completion rates.

 

To demonstrate how advance care planning discussions and completion rates can be delivered virtually.

 

 

This workshop will be facilitated by VeCC staff.  A brief presentation will provide the context and background to the service, the Advance Care Planning project and set the scene for the interactive activity.

·         Participants will be paired, one provided with an iPad with ACD forms downloaded and the other will simulate clinician videoconference with a written ACD document to facilitate the discussion.

Maximum number of participants = 40

 

Target Group = non-specialist clinicians and those who work with people with chronic conditions.

Introduction/Background:

The Enhanced Advance care planning and life Review Longitudinal Intervention (EARLI) project, is a multi-site randomised control trial running in partnership with aged care providers across Sydney and Perth. This project explores whether combining life story work and Advance Care Planning (ACP) helps older adults feel more confident about their preferences for future care. Life Story Work involves gathering and documenting an individual's life experiences and values. ACP involves discussing and documenting an individual's healthcare preferences and goals. Both approaches aim to promote person-centred care by ensuring a person’s preferences and goals are respected. This workshop aims to demonstrate the practical elements of the EARLI Project (https://neura.edu.au/project/the-enhanced-advance-care-planning-and-life-review-longitudinal-intervention-earli-project) and explore how the connection between Life Story Work and ACP can enhance person-centred care.

Objectives:

·       To explore the benefits of integrating Life Story Work and ACP for person-centred care.

·       To provide practical guidance on how to conduct and integrate Life Story Work and ACP conversations.

·       To promote development of skills and knowledge for implementing this approach in practice.

·       To explore considerations in applying this approach with people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

 

Learning Outcomes:

·       An understanding of the value of integrating Life Story Work and ACP for person-centred care.

·       Practical knowledge on how to conduct and integrate Life Story Work and ACP conversations.

·       An understanding of the ethical considerations involved in Life Story Work and ACP.

·       The ability to apply these skills in their practice.

Methodology:

Interactive and participatory workshop with didactic presentations, small-group discussions, case studies, and role-playing exercises. Participants can practice conducting Life Story Work and ACP conversations and receive feedback.

Specifications:

Facilitated by The EARLI Project Chief Investigator, Dr Craig Sinclair and the NSW Clinical Trial Coordinator, Ava Karusoo-Musumeci.

10 - 25 participants.

90-minute workshop.