Journal of the American Medical Directors Association
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Advance care planning (ACP) is a communicative process of defining preferences for future medical care. Conversation guides support professionals to conduct ACP conversations, yet insight into essential components is limited. ⋯ ACP conversation guides address a diversity of themes regarding illness, EOL issues, and decision making. There is a focus on the exploration of patient's perspectives and preferences. Evidence on the translation of explorative information into specific treatment preferences and consequences for care as provided is limited.
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This article reports findings on the usability and staff use of 5 condition- specific pamphlets of high prevalence in long-term care (LTC): dementia, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal failure, and frailty. The pamphlets were created in response to residents', families', and staff's recommendations for activating early reflections and communication about end-of-life care. ⋯ Condition-specific pamphlets appear to hold promise in providing residents and families with relevant information that may activate early reflections and conversations about end-of-life care. However, structured implementation strategies, training, and discussions are required to improve staff comfort with distribution and explore roles in distribution and follow-up.