Service provider perspectives on advance care planning use in rural dementia patients and caregivers: A qualitative study

Service provider perspectives on advance care planning use in rural dementia patients and caregivers: A qualitative study
Journal of Gerontological Social Work; by Peiyuan Zhang, Ebow Nketsiah, Hyunjin Noh; 5/24
Advanced care planning (ACP) utilization remains very limited in rural communities compared to urban areas. ACP earlier in the disease trajectory is particularly important for people with dementia (PWD) due to its progressive nature affecting their decision-making ability. Considering the well-documented benefits of ACP in improving the quality of end-of-life (EOL) care, the rural vs. urban disparity may indicate poorer EOL quality for rural PWD. This study aimed to explore barriers and current resources for ACP of PWD from the perspectives of health or social service providers serving rural communities.