Abstract
Introduction: Advance care planning (ACP) ensures patients' healthcare preferences are respected, improving care quality, and protecting rights. Despite its importance, discussions are rare in primary care. Education boosts autonomy, and involving family and providers helps honor patients' wishes if they cannot decide for themselves. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to assess and increase the readiness of ACP in individuals dwelling in a community setting. PICOT Question: In adults greater than 60 years of age residing in a retirement community, what is the effect of implementing an advance care planning card game in increasing patient readiness on advance care planning over a 14-week period? Methodology: The intervention included an educational session, an ACP card game, and two follow-up contacts. Participants completed the Creative Commons Advance Care Planning Engagement Survey, provided demographic and ACP information, attended a 15–20-minute session, played the card game, completed an ACP Engagement Survey Likert Scale survey on day one, and had follow-up communication at one and two months. Results: Quantitative data showed increased readiness for ACP, with more physical ACP documentation. Qualitative themes highlighted preferences for comfort, family connection, and control, with many choosing natural care over aggressive treatments. Family presence, music, and staying at home were important, and respondents valued family input, especially from children. Overall, family support and personal choice were central to end-of-life care. Significance/Impact: The intervention increased ACP readiness and decision-making, emphasizing comfort, family presence, and control. These findings underscore the importance of aligning healthcare with personal values, prioritizing family, autonomy, and avoiding aggressive treatment at the end of life.