Reducing Disparities in the Quality of Advance Care Planning for Older Adults (NCT03516994) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Reducing Disparities in the Quality of Advance Care Planning for Older Adults
United States790 participantsStarted 2018-08-01
Plain-language summary
This study compares the effectiveness of two different approaches to advance care planning among older African Americans and older Whites living in the community. The two approaches are a structured approach with an advance care planning conversation led by a trained person using Respecting Choices (First Steps) and a patient-driven approach which includes a Five Wishes advance care planning form written in plain language. The study will determine which approach is more effective at increasing advance care planning within each racial group and reducing differences between the two groups in advance care planning.
Who can participate
Age range
65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria for Patients:
* African-American or White
* age 65 or greater
* English-speaking
* residing in non-institutional setting
* cognitively able to participate in advance care planning
* Serious or chronic illness including: metastatic cancer; end stage renal disease; advanced liver disease, heart disease or lung disease; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, severe Parkinson's disease; 2 or more unplanned hospitalizations in the last year; requiring assistance with any basic activity of daily living
* Serious illness based on the following: Clinician answers "no" to the surprise question: "Would you be surprised if this person died in the next 12 months?"
Exclusion Criteria for Patients:
* residence in nursing home or assisted living facility
* diagnosis of dementia or unable to consent
* documented advance care plan (living will, health care proxy, MOST form, provider note)
* current or prior use of hospice
* current or prior use of non-hospice palliative care except inpatient palliative care consultation
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Proportion of African Americans who complete advance care planning
Timeframe: 12 months
2
Proportion of Whites who complete advance care planning