Necessary discussions: The development of online resources to support advance care planning in nursing homes in a COVID-19 context

ABSTRACT

Aim or goal of the work The Necessary Discussions project developed a COVID-centric advance care planning (ACP) online training resource for nursing homes, with the aim of improving resident care at the end of life during a COVID-19 outbreak. A bespoke website has been designed to deliver information to residents, family members and nursing home staff, with the aims of increasing awareness and understanding of advance care planning, and to support communication and shared decision-making. Design, methods and approach taken Development of the website took place between late 2020 and early 2021, and was informed by a rapid review of existing literature and support from members of the project's Expert Reference Group, comprised of practitioners, academics and public involvement representatives. Existing ACP resources were synthesised and tailored for COVID-19. Results: The resulting website is accessible and engaging, offering a COVID-19 specific resource for advance care planning. Distinct modules provide information appropriate for care staff and family members. Supplementary videos were produced offering advice from experts in the field. Further reading and additional resources are linked to from the website, and there is a strategic emphasis on self-care alongside care provision. Conclusion / lessons learned This project demonstrates how to develop accessible information for care staff and family members in a COVID-19 context. The project also identifies effective methods of virtual team working and group collaboration during COVID-19.