Application of a regional, multiorganisational education programme to implement a digital advance care plan

Advance care planning (ACP) is key to effective end-of-life care. If digitalisation of ACP is to be achieved, targeted education addressing the challenges of system-level change with diversity across roles, environments and patient groups is required. Currently, little is known about how to design and deliver this education.

This report describes a multiorganisation education programme focused on increasing engagement with digital advance care plans (DACP). Education sessions were delivered by clinicians and evaluated by postsession participant feedback questionnaire. The number of DACP views and creations was analysed to evaluate impact.Purposive sampling methods were used throughout stakeholder engagement, with delivery of 48 organisation-specific education sessions and feedback from 90 healthcare professionals. Supplementary materials were provided, including videos, posters and a monthly newsletter.

Most respondents reported being very likely or somewhat likely to use the DACP in clinical practice (94%) following the education. The number of DACPs viewed and created increased across all organisations with the largest increase in primary care.

This clinician delivered and patient-focused approach to delivering multiorganisational education has led to increased system-wide engagement with DACPs. Further research is needed to understand challenges experienced by healthcare professionals to optimise education design and delivery.