This proposed study is designed to test the effects of motivational interviewing (MI) in increasing the uptake of ACP behaviours among patients with palliative care needs. A randomised controlled trial with repeated blinded outcome assessment will be conducted to assess the effects of a MI-tailored ACP (MI-ACP) programme on palliative care patients recruited from the outpatient palliative care clinics and home palliative care services of two hospitals. A total of 204 patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The patients in the experimental group will receive a MI-ACP programme facilitated by a trained nurse, whereas the patients in the control group will receive usual care. Primary outcome is the behavioural changes in ACP. Secondary outcomes are perceived stress, decisional conflict and quality of life. Study outcomes will be measured at baseline, 1 month and 3 months after enrolment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
204
The trained interventionist who is experienced in MI techniques will explore their illness experiences, emotions and beliefs about their health conditions and future care in an empathetic manner and explore their ambivalence for ACP behaviours.
United Christian Hospital
Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
Haven of Hope Hospital
Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong
Advance Care Planning Behaviour
Behaviour changes in ACP behaviours measured using a questionnaire. It included 4 items about different ACP behavior on a 5-point Likert scale. The higher score means the higher level of readiness for the behaviours.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month and 3 months follow up
Decisional conflict
Decisional conflict regarding end-of-life care is measured by the SURE test, a questionnaire with 4-item on knowledge and support for medical decision making. The higher score means the less decisional conflict.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month and 3 months follow up
Perceived stress
Perceived stress is measured by a 10-item Perceived Stress Scale, a questionnaire, using a 5-point Likert scale. The higher score means the higher level of stress.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month and 3 months follow up
Quality of life
Quality of life is measured by using a 23-item modified Quality of Life Concerns in the End of Life Questionnaire. The 23 items are rated on a 4-point Likert scale. The higher score means the better quality of life.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month and 3 months follow up
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