Factors influencing advance care planning behaviors among geriatric nurses: knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy

OBJECTIVES: To explore the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and self-efficacy of geriatric nurses regarding Advance Care Planning (ACP) for older adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 281 geriatric nurses in a Northern Taiwan teaching hospital using ACP knowledge, attitudes, actions, and self-efficacy scales. RESULTS: Nurses showed slightly insufficient ACP knowledge and self-efficacy, positive attitudes, and neutral behaviors. ACP attitudes (β = 0.11, p = 0.02) and self-efficacy (β = -0.37, p < 0.001) significantly correlated with behaviors. The nurses of the medical ward demonstrated more positive ACP behaviors than surgical ward nurses (β = 0.12, p = 0.02). The model explained 48.6 % of variance in ACP behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Enhance nurses' ACP self-efficacy through professional training and experiential learning programs, particularly for surgical ward nurses and those without hospice care consent experience. This can improve nurses' confidence in discussing care plans with patients and families, ensuring better end-of-life care quality.