Improving Older Adult Patient Education Regarding Advance Directives

Abstract

Purpose: This was a quality improvement project to educate patients on Advance Directives (AD) through a brief electronic teaching session. The purpose of this project was to provide patients with education on AD so they are well-informed, and they can ask their provider for further guidance. Background: Normalizing AD education in a primary care setting has been shown to reduce instances of family members having to make difficult decisions regarding EOL care. Economic impact and ethological considerations are also an issue regarding delaying EOL decisions, as it can result in costly life-sustaining treatments that can lead to an ethical dilemma for the patient. Methods: Using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical foundation, an educational electronic teaching session on AD provided to patient participants aged 65 or older at Vail Valley Clinic in Vail, AZ. The education was completed in the clinic while the patients waited to be seen by their provider. The Model for Improvement was utilized to develop the methodology. A four-question post-survey, using the Likert scale, assessed if the educational intervention improved the participants’ knowledge about AD and their intent to discuss AD with their primary care provider. Results: 14 patient participants met the inclusion criteria and completed the intervention. 93% of participants reported an improved understanding of AD, intent to discuss AD with family, and comfort level in discussing end-of-life planning with their provider. 43% indicated intent to complete their own AD. Conclusions: Post-survey data analysis demonstrates that an educational video on AD to primary care patients aged 65 and older, is a successful intervention to improve AD knowledge, intent to complete AD, and comfort level in discussing AD with a provider.