A call to improve practice concerning cultural sensitivity in advance directives: a review of the literature.

Background: The Patient Self Determination Act of 1990 mandates healthcare providers (HCP) to speak with patients about end-of-life preferences and advance directives (AD). HCP work with patients of varying cultures, and standard ADs do not address cultural differences. In order to understand various cultural beliefs, cultural sensitivity is important especially when discussing advance care planning (ACP).

An innovative approach to peer review for the advanced practice nurse--a focus on critical incidents.

Purpose: To provide an overview of the development and implementation of a peer review process for advanced practice nurses (APNs) based on critical incidents that provide meaningful evaluation of practice and meets the needs of APNs across multiple care specialties and practice situations.

Data Sources: A review of the literature and evaluation of the existing peer review process currently in place at a large tertiary care facility.

Conclusions: Peer review is central to self-regulation and professional practice for APNs.