A PA-led telemedicine advance care planning intervention in a life-limiting illness

JAAPA. 2025 Mar 1;38(3):e10-e15. doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000091. Epub 2025 Feb 25.

Abstract

Objective: To explore if a physician associate/assistant (PA)-led advance care planning (ACP) intervention would be successful and if patients and caregivers are comfortable having these discussions with PAs.

Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial with optional open-label crossover to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effect on ACP engagement of a PA-led telemedicine-facilitated ACP (tele-ACP) intervention in a Huntington disease (HD) clinic.

Results: All participants felt they could effectively express themselves to the PA during the tele-ACP visit, and 95.8% felt comfortable communicating with the PA about ACP. The PA-led tele-ACP intervention significantly increased ACP engagement.

Conclusions: Our PA-led tele-ACP intervention was feasible, acceptable, and it increased ACP engagement.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Advance Care Planning*
  • Aged
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Huntington Disease* / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physician Assistants*
  • Telemedicine*