62 A national prevalence study of advance care planning

<h3>Background</h3> Contemporary understandings of advance care planning recognise that it can take many forms and may not involve completion of formal documents setting out specific instructions for future health care. Existing research on measuring advance care planning outcomes, however, tends to predominantly focus on document completion rates. There is little information about the extent to which the general adult population in Australia has engaged in advance care planning in all its forms. <h3>Aim</h3> The aim of this study is to establish meaningful measures of the prevalence of engagement in advance care planning within the general community in Australia. <h3>Methods</h3> This cross-sectional observational study uses an online survey with a nationally representative sample of 3,390 Australian adults. The study uses triple-interlocking sampling quotas (for age, gender and state/territory) and sampling weights to ensure robust representativeness of results at the population level. Engagement in advance care planning is measured using a customised survey instrument which includes items relating to: engaging in conversations about future health care choices; appointing substitute decision-makers; and completing formal documents. The survey further collects data on specific characteristics which may be associated with engagement, as well as perceived motivations, barriers, and misconceptions about advance care planning. <h3>Results</h3> Results will be presented on the proportion of the population who have engaged in advance care planning by: having a conversation about their wishes and preferences for future health care; appointing a substitute decision-maker; and/or completing advance care planning documents. Factors associated with engagement, such as age, gender, health status, family circumstances, and cultural/language background, will be described. Attitudes to advance care planning, including openness to engage, will also be discussed. <h3>Unique Contribution</h3> This is the first national study of the prevalence of advance care planning in the general Australian community that utilises a contemporary understanding of this concept. It provides, for the first time, a robust estimate of the breadth of community engagement in advance care planning. <h3>Implications</h3> This study will inform effective strategies for addressing lack of awareness, barriers, and misconceptions about advance care planning. This, in turn will contribute to increased awareness and uptake of advance care planning across the general community. More Australians can then be supported to express their wishes and preferences for their future health care resulting in peace of mind for individuals and easing the burden for those making decisions on their behalf.