Advance Care Planning for Affordable Housing Residents

(R4RACP Trial)

This trial tests a new approach to advance care planning (ACP) for individuals living in affordable housing. The goal is to assist residents in planning for their healthcare needs if they become unable to make decisions themselves. The study will evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of the new ACP method, called the Trauma-Informed Care-adapted and Checklist-guided ACP intervention, by gathering participant feedback. It is open to adults in affordable housing who have not completed an advance directive, a document stating their healthcare wishes. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to innovative healthcare planning methods that could benefit their community.

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research has shown that the Trauma-Informed Care-adapted and Checklist-guided Advance Care Planning (ACP) intervention has not raised any safety concerns in past studies. Although specific safety data is not provided, this intervention resembles a counseling or planning session rather than a medical procedure or medication, making it generally low-risk.

The intervention assists individuals in planning for future healthcare needs, particularly if they might be unable to make decisions themselves. Since it involves discussions and planning, it is considered safe and well-tolerated. No reports of unexpected problems or side effects have been associated with this type of intervention.

Researchers are excited about the trauma-informed care-adapted and checklist-guided advance care planning (ACP) intervention because it offers a fresh approach to supporting affordable housing residents with their healthcare decisions. Unlike traditional advance care planning methods that may not consider the unique psychological and emotional needs of individuals who have experienced trauma, this intervention tailors the process to be more sensitive and supportive. By incorporating a trauma-informed framework, the intervention aims to create a safe and empowering environment for participants, potentially leading to more effective and personalized healthcare planning. This unique approach could significantly improve the engagement and outcomes for individuals who might otherwise feel underserved by conventional methods.

Research has shown that trauma-informed care, which considers how past trauma affects individuals, can enhance advance care planning (ACP). This approach helps people plan their future healthcare by understanding their needs and preferences. Studies have found that using checklists in ACP ensures care aligns with individuals' wishes. In this trial, all participants will receive a Trauma-Informed Care-adapted and Checklist-guided ACP intervention. By incorporating trauma-informed principles, the intervention aims to support individuals by considering their past experiences, making the process more effective. Early findings suggest this method can help residents in affordable housing plan for times when they might not be able to make decisions themselves.²⁴⁶⁷⁸