Implementation and Impact of Patient Lay Navigator-Led Advance Care Planning Conversations

J Pain Symptom Manage. 2017 Apr;53(4):682-692. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.11.012. Epub 2017 Jan 3.

Abstract

Context: Advance care planning (ACP) improves alignment between patient preferences for life-sustaining treatment and care received at end of life (EOL).

Objectives: To evaluate implementation of lay navigator-led ACP.

Methods: A convergent, parallel mixed-methods design was used to evaluate implementation of navigator-led ACP across 12 cancer centers. Data collection included 1) electronic navigation records, 2) navigator surveys (n = 45), 3) claims-based patient outcomes (n = 820), and 4) semistructured navigator interviews (n = 26). Outcomes of interest included 1) the number of ACP conversations completed, 2) navigator self-efficacy, 3) patient resource utilization, hospice use, and chemotherapy at EOL, and 4) navigator-perceived barriers and facilitators to ACP.

Results: From June 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015, 50 navigators completed Respecting Choices® First Steps ACP Facilitator training. Navigators approached 18% of patients (1319/8704); 481 completed; 472 in process; 366 declined. Navigators were more likely to approach African American patients than Caucasian patients (20% vs. 14%, P < 0.001). Significant increases in ACP self-efficacy were observed after training. The mean score for feeling prepared to conduct ACP conversations increased from 5.6/10 to 7.5/10 (P < 0.001). In comparison with patients declining ACP participation (n = 171), decedents in their final 30 days of life who engaged in ACP (n = 437) had fewer hospitalizations (46% vs. 56%, P = 0.02). Key facilitators of successful implementation included physician buy-in, patient readiness, and prior ACP experience; barriers included space limitations, identifying the "right" time to start conversations, and personal discomfort discussing EOL.

Conclusion: A navigator-led ACP program was feasible and may be associated with lower rates of resource utilization near EOL.

Keywords: Advance care planning; end of life; lay navigation; lay navigator.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Advance Care Planning*
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Communication*
  • Education, Medical
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Personnel* / education
  • Health Personnel* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Patient Navigation*
  • Patient Preference
  • Qualitative Research
  • Self Efficacy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Terminal Care / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents