Perspectives on advance care planning needs of persons with advanced dementia from their surrogates and clinicians

Abstract

Objectives: This study was designed to understand the experience and needs surrounding advance care planning (ACP) discussions for surrogate decision-makers of persons with advanced dementia (PWAD).

Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews based on end-of-life communication models with a convenience sample of 17 clinicians, and 15 surrogates of PWAD. We used a hybrid approach of deductive and inductive thematic analysis.

Results: Two main themes emerged. 1)Deficits in communication: Often surrogates did not fully comprehend the disease trajectory or medical treatments, like the likelihood of pneumonia and use of mechanical ventilation, nor concepts related to ACP, particularly legal documents and orders such as Do Not Hospitalize, which made decision-making challenging as perceived by clinicians. 2)Decision-making conflicts: Clinicians perceived a disconnect between surrogates' understanding of their loved one's preferences and knowing how or when to operationalize them.

Conclusions: Significant gaps in knowledge surrounding disease trajectory and complications, such as pneumonia, and aspects of ACP, exist. These gaps create decision-making challenges for surrogates and clinicians alike.

Innovation: This study assessed both clinicians and surrogate decision-makers' perspectives on communication and decision-making concerning care preferences, goals, and ACP. The study findings from a national cohort can inform decision-support interventions for clinicians and surrogate decision-makers of PWAD.