Facilitating Advance Care Planning Conversations Among Patients With Cancer and Their Care Partners Utilizing a...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Palliative Care
• Health Communication

Background:

• Advance care planning (ACP) is crucial for cancer patients, yet directive completion rates remain low (55%).
• Current guidelines emphasize early and frequent ACP discussions among patients, clinicians, and care partners (CPs).
• The Hello game, effective in other populations, has not been evaluated for ACP in cancer patients or their CPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acceptability of the Hello game for advance care planning (ACP) among patients with cancer and their care partners (CPs).
• To identify necessary modifications to the Hello game for optimal use within cancer care settings.

Main Methods:

• Convergent mixed methods study involving seven patient-dyads (n=14).
• Dyads played the Hello game in small groups, followed by satisfaction/acceptability questionnaires and focus groups.
• Qualitative thematic analysis of focus groups and quantitative summary of questionnaire data.

Main Results:

• Participants found the group dynamics and peer interaction enjoyable.
• The Hello game effectively initiated conversations about advance care planning.
• Key modifications suggested include incorporating more questions on quality of life and mental health.

Conclusions:

• The Hello game was well-received by cancer patients and their CPs.
• Feedback facilitated tailoring the game for the cancer context.
• Future research will assess the acceptability of the modified Hello game.