• Anne Kuusisto, Jenni Santavirta, Kaija Saranto, Päivi Korhonen, and Elina Haavisto.
• Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
• J Clin Nurs. 2020 Jul 1; 29 (13-14): 2069-2082.

Aims And ObjectivesTo describe advance care planning (ACP) for patients with cancer in palliative care from professionals' perspective.BackgroundThe number of patients with cancer is increasing. Palliative care should be based on timely ACP so that patients receive the care they prefer.DesignA scoping review.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in January 2019. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist was used. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tools. Data were analysed with content analysis.ResultsOf 739 studies identified, 12 were eligible for inclusion. The settings were inpatient and outpatient facilities in special and primary care including oncology, palliative and hospice care. ACP consisted of patient-oriented issues, current and future treatment, and end-of-life matters. The participants were nursing, medical or social professionals. ACP conversations rarely occurred; if they did, they took place at the onset, throughout and late in the cancer.ConclusionsProfessionals could not separate day-to-day care planning and ACP. ACP documentation was scattered and difficult to find and use. Professionals were unfamiliar with ACP, and established practices were lacking. ACP conversations mostly occurred in late cancer. Further research clarifying concepts and exploring the significance of ACP for patients and relatives is recommended.Relevance To Clinical PracticeOur results support the use of ACP by a multidisciplinary team from the early stages of cancer as a discussion forum around patients' wishes and choices. We showed the need to raise professionals' awareness of ACP. Education and appropriate data tools for ACP are important as they may reduce reluctance and promote ACP use. This paper contributes to the wider global clinical community by pointing out the importance of standardising ACP contents and practices.© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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