Impacts of Communication Training on Advance Care Planning Implementation: Focus Group Results

Advance care planning is a complex process and requires a culturally sensitive communication approach. Competence in initiating advance care planning requires specific education and training for healthcare providers. This qualitative descriptive study aims to explore the experiences and perspectives of healthcare providers across 12 Regional Health Sectors in Thailand regarding impacts of communication training on advance care planning implementation.

A qualitative descriptive study.

The participants were healthcare providers who had attended the communication training workshop and engaged in advance care planning from across 12 Regional Health Sectors in Thailand. Focus group discussions were conducted and transcriptions were analyzed following the qualitative framework approach. Several strategies were used to enhance trustworthiness.

Sixty healthcare providers participated in the study. Two main themes were identified: (1) a ripple effect of communication training; and (2) key components for successful advance care planning implementation. The communication training enhanced participants' knowledge and skills, and participants gained more confidence to initiate conversations with patients who had serious illnesses and families. The participants shared knowledge with and mentored junior nurses on conducting advance care planning. The participants also extended services to other advanced chronic diseases and advocated for early advance care planning. Finally, the participants took proactive action to raise public awareness of advance care planning in communities. The participants identified key components for successful advance care planning implementation. These included healthcare providers' knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards palliative care, knowing the patients, sufficient and dedicated time, continuity of care and institutional support.

The communication training had a ripple effect, enhancing health professionals' competence and efficacy. The effects are beyond individual benefits. The training transformed clinical practices and extended to raise public awareness on advance care planning. Essential components for successful advance care planning should be used as a framework to guide clinical practice.