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Educating Health Care Professionals To Improve Communication In Advance Care Planning, Laura E. Clubb

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

DNP Project Goal:The goal and expected outcome of this DNP project was to increase providers’ self-reported preparedness and comfort levels by 50% when discussing advance care planning (ACP) and end of life wishes with patients.

Background: The Institute of Medicine designed ACP as a national health priority. However, health care professionals often do not facilitate discussions of ACP with patients, even in patients with chronic or life-limiting illnesses. This occurs due to professionals’ lack of knowledge about ACP, lack of comfort when discussing the issue, and a misperception that the patient may be too young or not sick enough …

Critical Choices Conversation Pilot Project, Lorena Paul

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Advance care planning (ACP) and advance directives (AD) inform the provision of health care that aligns with clients’ goals and wishes. Less than 30% of female cancer care clients presented AD when admitted for care to a Magnet® designated hospital located in the Southwest United States (U.S.).

Methods: A quality improvement project took place on a 25 bed in-patient cancer care unit to improve these rates. The nurses received ACP training and used a clinical support tool to facilitate discussions with clients. A Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist assisted as needed.

Results: Seven nurses accomplished a self-paced learning activity …