Exploring and promoting advance care planning among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) older adults living in non-metropolitan British Columbia

Abstract

Abstract This qualitative Canadian study explores advance care planning among LGBTQ older adults living in non-metropolitan regions in the province of British Columbia. We examined the level of engagement in advance care planning (ACP) among LGBTQ persons and introduced a region-specific ACP Tool to our participants. Six focus groups were held with 32 participants with ages ranging from 55 to 84 years (M = 67.3 years). The focus group transcripts were audio recorded, transcribed and manually coded for themes. The four overarching themes were information uncertainty; the planning tool; the temporary substitute decision maker; and the LGBTQ perspective. Implications of these findings are discussed.