Engaging College Undergraduates in Advance Care Planning

Abstract

Advance care planning (ACP) is a critical part of long-term health-care planning, as no one knows when the ability to make personal medical decisions may be impaired. Many assume ACP is only necessary for older adults or those with life-threatening health conditions; however, there are growing discussions about healthy, young adults also engaging in ACP, as they too suffer from unexpected medical events that limit their ability to make medical decisions. The current study examined the reactions of college students following the completion of their advance care plans and then sharing these plans with friends and family. The students reported that while completing their advance care plans created many emotions, they found the experience to be valuable and facilitated conversations with family and friends about end-of-life care that may not have occurred otherwise.