Learning to Facilitate Advance Care Planning: The Novice Social Worker’s Experience

Abstract

Professional leaders have identified clear roles for social workers involved in advance care planning (ACP), a facilitated process whereby individuals identify their preferences for future medical care; yet information about effective teaching practices in this area is scant. This study reports on the experiences of 14 social workers who participated in a nationally recognized, evidence-based ACP facilitator certification program. Researchers first analyzed data consisting of participants’ in-depth reflective writings using an inductive thematic analysis process. Identified themes were subsequently grouped into three categories to characterize the “novice” experience of participants: theoretical knowledge, skill development, and self-reflection. Findings underscore the importance of ACP training in social work education and the need for teachers to help learners better understand the process of professional skill development.

KEYWORDS:

• skill development
• advanced practice
• gerontology education

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We express our gratitude to Linda Briggs, MS, MA, RN; Bernard J. Hammes, PhD; and all the faculty and staff associated with the Respecting Choices program for their important work in this area.