Advance Directive Communication: Nurses’ and Social Workers’ Perceptions of Roles
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2021
Keywords
advance directives, interdisciplinary teams, professional communication, older adults, advance care planning
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1177/1049909106289080
Abstract
As a facet of advance care planning for future health care, advance directive communication represents an important aspect of professional health care practice with older patients. Nurses and social workers routinely discuss advance directives in acute care settings; however, communication practices by discipline are not well understood. This qualitative study explored differences in advance directive communication practices by comparing and contrasting nurses’ and social workers’ perceptions of their roles. Focus group interviews were conducted with nurses (n = 6) and social workers (n = 5). Five key themes emerged from the data. Findings suggest that both professions perceive primary educational roles, though their informational practices differed in content. The professionals reported differential pathways that led to their practices with patients. Both disciplines identified advocacy roles with families and providers. The practitioners reported distinct roles with families. There was mutual recognition of interdisciplinary roles. The findings suggest that nurses and social workers engage in both parallel and complementary advance care planning practices with their patients.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, v. 23, issue 3, p. 175-184
Scholar Commons Citation
Black, Kathy, "Advance Directive Communication: Nurses’ and Social Workers’ Perceptions of Roles" (2021). Aging Studies Sarasota Manatee Campus Faculty Publications. 14.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/gey_facpub_sm/14
