title: How is advance care planning conceptualised in Australia? Findings from key informant interviews.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Advance Care Planning (ACP) has been gaining prominence as an important component of good end-of-life care. This study explored how ACP is conceptualised by stakeholder organisations and clinicians involved in aged care and end-of-life care in Australia, in particular their views on the aim, appropriate context and settings for ACP, and how ACP should be facilitated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-three participants including expert clinicians and representatives of government organisations, professional societies, consumer groups and other organisations involved in aged care and end-of-life care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative descriptive analysis of semi-structured telephone interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most participants viewed ACP as an ongoing process aimed at enhancing an individual's autonomy and ensuring good end-of-life care. However, there were significant differences in how this process was conceptualised. Some viewed ACP as a process undertaken by patients to define and communicate their treatment preferences. Others viewed ACP as discussions undertaken by health professionals to gain a better understanding of the patient's values and goals in order to provide good care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings highlight significant differences in how ACP is conceptualised in Australia. A shared conceptualisation and agreement on purpose is needed to ensure a successful implementation of ACP in Australia.
authors: Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, AGSM Building, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. j.rhee@unsw.edu.au
authors: Joel J
authors: JJ
authors: Rhee
authors: Nicholas A
authors: NA
authors: Zwar