Factorial surveys were used to examine community-based long-term care providers' judgments about consumers' need for advance care planning (ACP) and comfort levels in discussing ACP. Providers (448 registered nurses and social workers) judged vignettes based on hypothetical consumers. Hierarchical linear models indicated providers judged consumers who were older, had end-stage diagnoses, multiple emergency department visits, and uninvolved caregivers as most in need of ACP. These variables explained 10% of the variance in judgments. Providers' beliefs about ACP predicted judgments of need for ACP and comfort level in discussing ACP. Provider characteristics explained more variance in comfort levels (44%) than in judgments of need (20%). This study demonstrates the need for tailored educational programs to increase comfort levels and address ACP misconceptions.
Keywords: advance care planning; area agencies on aging; care management; community-based care; factorial surveys; long-term care.