CE: Original Research: Advance Care Planning: An Exploration of the Beliefs, Self-Efficacy, Education, and Practices of RNs and LPNs

Abstract

: Objective: This study compared the advance care planning (ACP)-related beliefs, sense of self-efficacy, education, and practices of RNs and LPNs.

Methods: Data were extrapolated from a larger multisite study that was conducted across seven counties in one midwestern state. The sample consisted of RNs and LPNs working in 29 urban skilled nursing facilities in zip code areas with greater than 10% African American residents. The survey tool, a self-administered written questionnaire, gathered data on participants' demographics and ACP-related beliefs, sense of self-efficacy, education, and practices. The two main outcome variables were the percentage of residents with whom a nurse discussed ACP and the timing of the most recent such discussion.

Results: A total of 136 RNs and 178 LPNs completed the survey. Multivariate mixed-model analysis of the two main outcome variables showed that negative beliefs were not significantly associated with the percentage of residents with whom nurses discussed ACP but were significantly associated with the timing of the most recent ACP discussion. Having higher levels of ACP-related self-efficacy and education were significantly and positively associated with both outcome variables. RNs and LPNs did not differ significantly in their ACP-related beliefs, but RNs reported significantly higher levels of self-efficacy and education than LPNs did.

Conclusions: There has been a paucity of research comparing RNs and LPNs regarding their ACP practices in skilled nursing facilities. Better education and policies that empower nurses to take a more active role are critical to increasing conversations about ACP. Further research exploring how the complementary roles of RNs and LPNs can be used to improve ACP processes and inform ACP policies is needed.