Nurse-led advance care planning intervention in residential care homes

Implementing a Nurse-led Advance Care Planning (ACP) Intervention to Improve ACP Uptake in Residential Care Homes: An Implementation Science and Mixed Methods Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional The University of Hong Kong · NCT06238063

This study is testing whether having trained nurses lead discussions about advance care planning can help older residents in care homes in Hong Kong talk more about their future healthcare wishes.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment164 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06238063 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This cluster randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led advance care planning (ACP) intervention in improving ACP discussion uptake among residents in residential care homes (RCHs) in Hong Kong. The study will involve eligible participants aged 65 and older, who will be invited to attend ACP discussions facilitated by trained nurses. The intervention group will receive the ACP intervention, while the control group will only receive usual care. The study will utilize a mixed methods approach, including quantitative audits of ACP documentation and qualitative interviews, with follow-up assessments conducted over two years.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are residents aged 65 or older in residential care homes who can communicate in Cantonese or Mandarin.

Not a fit: Patients with moderate or severe cognitive impairment who do not have family members to participate in the intervention may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance the quality of end-of-life care by improving advance care planning discussions among residents and their families.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with nurse-led interventions in advance care planning, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Eligible participants have to be age 65 or older and be able to communicate in Cantonese or Mandarin.
* Participants will also be invited to identify family members involved in making decisions about their care to participate in the intervention. For residents who have moderate or severe cognitive impairment (as determined by a score of less than 19 in the Hong Kong version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment), the participation of family members is mandatory.

Exclusion Criteria:

* They have a moderate or severe significant cognitive impairment but do not have family members, or
* They have prior ACP experience (e.g., AD completed).

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Advanced Care Planning
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.