Consensus definition of advance care planning in dementia: a 33-country Delphi study

European Association for Palliative Care, Sandra Martins Pereira

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40 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Existing advance care planning (ACP) definitional frameworks apply to individuals with decision-making capacity. We aimed to conceptualize ACP for dementia in terms of its definition and issues that deserve particular attention. METHODS: Delphi study with phases: (A) adaptation of a generic ACP framework by a task force of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC); (B) four online surveys by 107 experts from 33 countries, September 2021 to June 2022; (C) approval by the EAPC board. RESULTS: ACP in dementia was defined as a communication process adapted to the person's capacity, which includes, and is continued with, family if available. We identified pragmatic boundaries regarding participation and time (i.e., current or end-of-life care). Three interrelated issues that deserve particular attention were capacity, family, and engagement and communication. DISCUSSION: A communication and relationship-centered definitional framework of ACP in dementia evolved through international consensus supporting inclusiveness of persons with dementia and their family.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1309-1320
Number of pages12
JournalAlzheimer's and Dementia
Volume20
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2024

Keywords

  • Advance care planning
  • Conceptualization
  • Decision-making
  • Dementia
  • Palliative care

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