Advance Care Planning Group Visits for Older Adults with Alzheimer's
(ENACT Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment ENACT group visit, Mailed Resources for older adults with Alzheimer's?
Research shows that group visits for advance care planning (ACP) can help older adults document their care preferences, which is a key part of planning for future medical decisions. Additionally, interventions like SPIRIT, which involve discussions about end-of-life care, have been adapted for people with mild dementia to improve preparedness for decision-making.12345
Is advance care planning safe for older adults with Alzheimer's?
The studies on advance care planning for people with dementia, including Alzheimer's, focus on the feasibility and acceptability of the interventions, which suggests they are generally safe. These interventions are designed to help patients and their families discuss and plan for future care, and there are no reports of harmful effects.46789
How is the ENACT group visit treatment different from other treatments for Alzheimer's?
The ENACT group visit treatment is unique because it focuses on advance care planning (ACP) through group visits, encouraging open discussions about end-of-life care while patients with Alzheimer's are still able to participate. This approach is different from standard treatments as it emphasizes communication and planning rather than medical or drug interventions.4791011
What is the purpose of this trial?
The main goal of the ENACT (ENgaging in Advance Care planning Talks) Group Visit intervention is to integrate a patient-centered advance care planning process into primary care, ultimately helping patients to receive medical care that is aligned with their values. The ENACT Group Visit intervention involves two group discussions about advance care planning with 8-10 patients who meet for 2-hour sessions, one month apart, facilitated by a geriatrician and a social worker. This study will compare the ENACT Group Visit intervention to mailed advance care planning materials.
Research Team
Hillary Lum, MD PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Colorado, Denver
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for older adults aged 70 or above who have visited a primary care clinic in the past year and do not have an advance care planning document on file. Participants must speak English at UCHealth clinics or English/Spanish at Denver Health clinic.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants engage in two 2-hour group visits related to advance care planning, facilitated by a geriatrician and a social worker
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for outcomes such as new ACP documentation and patient-reported measures of health
Treatment Details
Interventions
- ENACT group visit
- Mailed Resources
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator