Perceptions of Older People in Nursing Facilities About Advance Care Planning: A Systematic Review

Background: With the ageing of the population intensifying, the implementation of advance care planning (ACP) in nursing facilities is especially crucial.

Objective: This study aimed to search and synthesise qualitative studies exploring the perspectives of older people in nursing facilities about ACP discussions.

Methods: The researchers conducted searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and CBM between the time of inception and October 2023. The PICo model was used to build the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two researchers screened the literature, extracted data and then integrated the literature using the integrative synthesis.

Results: A total of 12 articles were included, 47 themes were extracted, and three research integrations were summarised: (1) understanding of ACP; (2) attitude towards ACP; and (3) influencing factors of participation in ACP.

Conclusion: This study offers guidance for the future development of ACP on the participation of older people in nursing facilities.

Implications for practice: It is necessary to strengthen the education of ACP-related knowledge in conjunction with the cultural characteristics of different countries, to provide interdisciplinary support for older people through professional teamwork and to promote the development and improvement of ACP-related practices.