Changing Life Plans: When to Engage Caregivers of Older Adults With Cancer in Advance Care Planning

Abstract

Advance care planning (ACP) is a continuous process where individuals discuss and document their end-of-life preferences with trusted caregivers and health care providers. Caregivers are pivotal to include in ACP discussions because they assist loved ones to navigate serious medical illness. The purpose of this study was to examine caregivers' engagement in ACP decision making with their loved ones with cancer. A qualitative descriptive design was used, informed by Engel's biopsychosocial model, with a convenience sample of 14 caregivers in North Carolina. Virtual interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide. Using prevalence logic, the overarching theme of "Changing Life Plans" was explained by two subthemes, "Learning the Diagnosis" and "Keeping Them on Track." The timing and location of ACP conversations were important considerations. Over half of the participants (64%) had no knowledge or had misconceptions about ACP, and 5 had accurate knowledge. Nurses could develop partnerships with community leaders trained in palliative care principles to begin conversations early with community members. Advocacy groups might hold events, such as the Hello Game, in community settings to facilitate early ACP conversations.