214 Advance Care Planning: Perspectives of People with Dementia and their Family Members

Background Clear and effective communication is central to all aspects of healthcare. Discussions centred on advance care planning are vital to ensure the person with dementia receives the support and care they need in the future based on their will and preferences. The aim of this study was to ascertain from those provided with information on advance care planning if it met their needs and assisted their understanding on planning for the future. Methods This study centred on eliciting the views of older persons diagnosed with dementia and their carers on the provision of an information booklet titled ‘I have dementia ... How do I plan for the future’. Ethical approval was sought and provided to conduct this study.  Participants presenting to an acute hospital day ward for older persons were identified and recruited through the medicine for older person’s team. 42 people consented to participate with 20 people returning questionnaires, a 48% response rate. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative comments and descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken with quantitative data. Results The overwhelming majority (95%) of respondents found the provision of an information booklet on advance care planning helpful. Nearly two thirds (65%) spoke with someone about advance care planning thereafter. 60% of all respondents reporting that the booklet was either ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ (40%) to understand. Participants strongly endorsed the provision of information on advance care planning and the benefits that it bestowed to them. Conclusion The study has confirmed the importance of communication and the provision of information on advance care planning for people with dementia and their carers in the day ward setting for older persons. Findings strongly endorse the information provided whilst also suggesting minor amendments to the booklet to improve future editions.