1245 The impact of interactive course design on long-term care workers’ learning of advance care planning

<h3></h3> Understanding how interactive course design influences Taiwanese long-term care (LTC) workers’ learning of advance care planning (ACP) and advance directives (AD) is essential, as research in this area has been limited compared to studies focusing on healthcare professionals. In Taiwan, LTC workers provide care either in clients’ homes or in long-term care institutions. Compared to hospital staff, they have more opportunities to engage in discussions about medical preferences and end-of-life care with older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses. Given their unique role, equipping LTC workers with ACP knowledge and communication skills is crucial for ensuring informed decision-making and patient-centered care. This research explores whether interactive teaching methods enhance LTC staff’s understanding and application of ACP/AD, the challenges that persist post-training, and strategies to support LTC workers in promoting ACP in practice. The training program employed a workshop-based approach, providing participants with hands-on experience using ACP facilitation tools such as card games, a Monopoly-style board game, role-playing, and guided reflection through manual exercises. Following the experiential activities, structured guidance was provided on how to effectively integrate these tools into their professional practice to promote ACP and AD awareness. A survey was conducted among 171 LTC staff who participated in a six-hour ACP/AD training program to assess learning outcomes and practical challenges. Results indicated a significant improvement in participants’ self-assessed knowledge after attending the interactive workshop (p ≤ 0.05). However, while the program enhanced both knowledge and willingness to engage in ACP/AD discussions, additional practical training and institutional support are necessary to ensure the successful implementation of ADs. The findings have important implications for Taiwan’s long-term care policies and practices. LTC institutions should enhance ACP/AD implementation by providing structured training and support mechanisms. Future programs should incorporate more simulation-based exercises, such as family communication strategies and real-world case scenarios, to further strengthen LTC workers’ competencies. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaboration among social workers, nurses, healthcare professionals, and policymakers is essential for the effective integration of ACP/AD into Taiwan’s long-term care system.