The challenge
Advance care planning is important as people are nearing the end of their life. However, the ethical, legal and other theoretical frameworks that have traditionally guided the development and implementation of programs of Advance Care Planning are not necessarily consistent with the expectations and views of the consumers and health professionals in Australian primary care settings.
The Solution
We conducted qualitative studies involving interviews with key stakeholders and GPs. QSR NVivo software was used in the analysis. The analysis was informed by a number of different methodologies including the qualitative descriptive method, situational analysis and constructionist grounded theory.
The Impact
This research provided the basis for the development of a more appropriate model of Advance Care Planning in the Australian primary care setting. This model was further developed and piloted in an RACGP/HCF foundation grant funded study, and also informed the development of an Australian government funded Advance Project, which provided support and training for GPs, GP nurses and practice managers to implement Advance Care Planning in their practices.
Related links
- Rhee JJ, Zwar NA, Kemp LA. How is advance care planning conceptualised in Australia? Findings from key informant interviews. Aust Health Rev. 2011; 35(2):197-203. https://doi.org/10.1071/AH10883
- Rhee JJ, Zwar NA, Lynn A. Uptake and implementation of Advance Care Planning in Australia: findings of key informant interviews. Aust Health Rev. 2012; 36:98-104. https://doi.org/10.1071/AH10883
- Rhee, Joel J., Nicholas A. Zwar, and Lynn A. Kemp. "Advance care planning and interpersonal relationships: a two-way street." Family practice. 2013; 30(2): 219-226. https://doi.org/10.1071/AH11019
- Discussing advance care planning – RACGP News: https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/discussing-advance-care-planning-in-general-practi
- Tran M, Grant M, Clayton J, Rhee J. Advance care decision making and planning. Australian journal of general practice. 2018; 47(11):753-7. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2018/november/advance-care-decision-making-and-planning
- Rhee J, Grant M, Clayton J, Detering K, Arthurs K. Dying still matters in the age of COVID-19. Aust J Gen Pract 2020;49 Suppl 28. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-COVID-28. RACGP - Dying still matters in the age of COVID 19
- The Advance Project https://www.theadvanceproject.com.au/