The perspectives on advance care planning of older people with psychotic illnesses and their carers

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to qualitatively examine the attitudes, experiences, and perceived facilitators and barriers to Advance Care Planning (ACP), of older people with psychotic illness and their carers. Findings: Older people with psychotic illnesses do not know about ACP but are interested, want to be involved, and identified how this could be facilitated by clinicians they trust. Their carers raised the complexity of ACP in light of cognitive impairment, the culture and personal histories of consumers and reality of busy health professionals; identifying carer roles supporting consumers and assisting clinicians with cultural brokerage. Message: Older people with psychotic illnesses are able to express views regarding ACP and, alongside their carers, highlighted ways of overcoming barriers to ACP, including education, practical considerations and collaboration with primary care.