Researchers: Perla Werner¹

Background: Despite numerous advantages associated with undertaking Advance Care Planning (ACP), implementation in Israel is very low. Low knowledge and negative attitudes are frequently referred as potential reasons for that.

Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitudes and implementation of ACP among the lay public and professionals in hospitals and nursing homes.

Method: 1. A systematic review was conducted about knowledge regarding ACP,
2. A structured instrument was developed to assess objective knowledge regarding ACP,
3. A telephone survey was conducted among 514 Israeli adults, aged 18 and above,
4. A survey was conducted among 466 professionals in hospitals, and among 162 professionals in nursing homes.

Findings: Despite relatively positive attitudes towards ACP, low levels of awareness and objective knowledge were found among the lay public and professionals, as well as very low rates of formal documentation and informal conversations about ACP. Participants with lower education, those who were non-Jewish and had fewer years of professional experience (among professionals) were found to have less knowledge and less positive attitudes toward ACP. Among the lay public beliefs regarding Alzheimer’s disease were related to attitudes toward ACP.

Conclusions: There is need to expand the knowledge of laypersons and professionals regarding ACP, with special attention to instrumental aspects.

Recommendations: ACP should be defined as a priority in public health and clear policies regarding the topic should be developed and implemented in medical institutions. There is a need to increase knowledge and awareness among the lay public and professionals and to develop training programs and seminars for professional staff.

Research end date: 04/2019