Does Palliative Care Make a Difference?: A Comparison of Children Who Die in the Hospital Who Receive Palliative Care to Those Who Do Not (S735)

Methods. Semi-structured focus group interviews. Key topics addressed included: (1) baseline knowledge regarding ACP; (2) preferences for ACP options; (3) characteristics of preferred surrogate decision-makers; and, (4) barriers and facilitators to completing ACP in light of developmental stage and individuation. Data were independently analyzed by two coders using qualitative methods. Results. We interviewed 56 participants in 6 focus groups. The average participant was a 21-year-old Caucasian female. Regardless of personal preferences, participants unanimously desired more information regarding ACP. Additional themes identified include: (1) heterogeneity in opinions regarding ideal timing to perform ACP; (2) the association of ACP as an act of independence; (3) preferences for familial surrogates; and, (4) an appreciation that ACP documents are flexible to longitudinal changes in preferences. Conclusions. Whereas the triggers to perform ACP vary among young adults, the process is nevertheless viewed as valuable and worthwhile. Heightened exposure to ACP topics may serve three aims: (1) to spark young adults’ interest in personal values-baseddecision-making; (2) toprepare young adults to become surrogate decision-makers themselves; and, (3) to shift societal views regarding ACP and serious illness. Implications for research, policy, or practice. Additional population-based research is needed to identify young adults’ preferences for advance care planning, as well as strategies to encourage person-centered decision-making processes that are sensitive to age and development. Our data underscore the imperative for efforts to increase knowledge of what ACP is, and how it can benefit young adults across the lifecourse.