66 Equitable access to advance care planning for people living with sensory loss in Western Australia

<h3>Aim</h3> The project aims were to: Determine the accessibility of current advance care planning (ACP) information for people living with sensory loss; give voice to their preferences for receiving information; and support interpreters to elicit expression of values and choices. <h3>Background</h3> Most people with sensory loss experience difficulties communicating with health professionals, resulting in exclusion from information required for decision-making around care. People who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing (HoH), and those identifying with the Deaf community have their own unique and individual needs which require consideration when developing accessible resources. This extends to access to information on ACP. We brought key stakeholders together to assess accessibility of current ACP information and documentation and plan for what is needed. <h3>Main Text</h3> Three focus groups were conducted: those with lived experience of D/deafness or deafblindness; those who are HoH; and Auslan interpreters. Participants’ preference for text-based resources was plain English, using easy read styles. Layout, colour and consistent formats need careful consideration. Direction to seeking further information needs to be provided in an accessible way. Videos were also helpful, but a full screen view of the Auslan interpreter and contrasting colours to ensure interpreters’ hands can be seen clearly is essential. Captions should be in two-line format, with pace and colour contrast being potential problems. Auslan interpreters require knowledge and understanding of ACP concepts to assist with effective interpretation and communication. Increased awareness of the specific needs of this cohort and resources available can support health professionals to better prepare for interactions with D/deaf, deafblind and HoH patients. <h3>Unique Contribution</h3> This work provides unique insights from people with lived experience of sensory loss who generously shared their concerns and previous experiences as well as their wishes, values and preferences for effective communication and accessible provision of information for ACP. <h3>Implications</h3> Specific, tailored resources for the D/deaf and deafblind community and those who are HoH developed from this work to improve access to information and support completing ACP will be showcased in the presentation. Essential collaborations with organisations supporting people living with sensory loss have been formed with a plan to strengthen these relationships with annual events. Dissemination of resources to health professionals has been commenced and provision of education for the Auslan interpreter industry in WA has been undertaken.