Work

Enhancing Advance Directive Completion Among Older Adults in the Geriatrics Clinic in Indiana, USA: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objective: Death is an inevitable part of life, and ensuring high-quality end-of-life care is a critical concern. Planning for a “good death” aligns care with patients’ preferences, and advance directive (AD) discussions should begin early between patients, physicians, and families. This project aimed to increase AD completion among older adults in the Indiana University Health Primary Care (IUHPC) Geriatrics Clinic, with the goal of meeting or exceeding the national average of 46%. Methods: An intervention was implemented from September to November 2024 and from January to June 2025, focusing on patient education and strengthening patient–provider communication. Results: The initiative significantly increased AD completion, demonstrating that older adults are receptive to advance care planning once informed of its benefits. Potential influencing factors included knowledge of life-sustaining care, demographic variables, health status, awareness of dying well, and attitudes toward ADs. Conclusions: Education and communication are key to increasing AD completion rates. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to raise awareness and ensure that end-of-life care respects patients’ wishes and values.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13233086

Authors: Anna Geraldina Pendrey Guillen, Triccia Aparicio Recarte, Miguel Paz Castillo, Mariel Esther Zelaya Ramirez, Javier F. Sevilla Mártir

Institutions: Indiana University Indianapolis, Indiana University School of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Honduras

Language: English

Topic: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258