J Pain Symptom Manage
December 2022
Context: A conceptual framework for advance care planning is lacking in societies like Japan's valuing family-centered decision-making.
Objectives: A consensus definition of advance care planning with action guideline adapted to Japanese society.
Methods: We conducted a multidisciplinary modified Delphi study 2020-2022.
Background: Most adult patients are willing to discuss advance care planning before the onset of any illness. There might be differences in preferences for timing when it comes to initiating advance care planning discussions by healthcare providers with patients.
Objective: To identify healthcare providers' willingness to initiate advance care planning discussions in Japan.
Background: Although advance care planning discussions are increasingly accepted worldwide, their ideal timing is uncertain and cultural factors may pertain.
Aim: To evaluate timing and factors affecting initiation of advance care planning discussions for adult patients in Japan and Taiwan.
Design: Mixed-methods questionnaire survey to quantitatively determine percentages of patients willing to initiate advance care planning discussions at four stages of illness trajectory ranging from healthy to undeniably ill, and to identify qualitative perceptions underlying preferred timing.