Let’s Talk About ACP Pilot Study: A Culturally-Responsive Approach to Advance Care Planning Education in African-American Communities

Abstract

The COVID-19 Pandemic has emphasized the importance of attending to racial inequity in end-of-life care, as the world has witnessed the disproportionate negative impact on Black and Brown people and communities. Advance care planning (ACP) is of particular concern for this population. This article introduces an ACP toolkit developed as a culturally responsive educational approach to assist African-American faith leaders to inform and educate congregants on end-of-life care options and the process to complete advance care documents. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of The Let’s Talk about ACP toolkit and to discuss the results of the pilot study workshop. The procedures of the pilot study included a critical evaluation of an innovative curriculum and workshop process for engaging African Americans around advocacy for the healthcare experience they prefer. Factors such as cultural, generational, and spiritual beliefs and values influenced decision-making. Distrust was one of the most prominent factors raised by participants. Providing resources and tools that encompass culturally responsive approaches to educate and encourage use can help bridge the gap. The next steps for this innovative practice approach is to refine the practice approach and replicate the finding among larger community settings.

Keywords:

• Cultural issues
• ethnic diversity
• health disparities
• hospice
• palliative care
• spirituality
• religion