The Impact of an Advance Care Planning Game on Life-Sustaining Treatment Preferences, Depression, and Hope in Older Adults With Stroke

Background:

Stroke is the third leading cause of death worldwide and one of the most common causes of disability, accounting for approximately 10% of all deaths. One in four people experiences a stroke in their lifetime, and about 10% of stroke survivors face the risk of recurrent stroke within five years, often with more severe symptoms than the first episode. The one-year and five-year mortality rates after stroke are as high as 41% and 60%, respectively. Due to its high incidence, high recurrence rate, and high mortality, many stroke patients are unable to express their values and treatment preferences during the course of illness. This underscores the necessity of engaging in Advance Care Planning (ACP) discussions after stroke.

Purpose:

This study aims to explore the effects of an ACP game intervention on life-sustaining treatment preferences, depression, and hope among older adults with stroke.

Design:

A randomized controlled trial design was adopted.

Participants:

Using purposive sampling, we recruited subacute stroke patients aged 65-100 years from the neurology, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation wards of a regional teaching hospital in eastern Taiwan.

Measurement Tools:

The Life Support Preferences Questionnaire (LSPQ) was used as the primary outcome measure to assess differences in life-sustaining treatment preferences immediately after the intervention and at week 4 post-intervention. Secondary outcome measures included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Herth Hope Index (HHI).

Intervention:

The intervention utilized the "LOHAS Journey" ACP block-based game developed for this study. The game incorporates travel-themed scenario guidance, allowing participants to express their medical preferences through the arrangement of blocks. "Hope blocks" were added to transform various stroke- and cancer-related scenarios, enhancing the participants' sense of hope. The game also includes companion option cards, emphasizing personal resources and potential future surrogate decision-makers. Beyond discussing life-sustaining treatment preferences, the game further encourages warm emotional expressions such as gratitude and affection.

Statistical Analysis:

Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to examine differences in life-sustaining treatment preferences, depression, and hope across repeated measurements, as well as to analyze time and group interaction effects.

If the effectiveness of the ACP block-based game on life-sustaining treatment preferences, depression, and hope among older adults with stroke is confirmed, it will support the promotion of ACP-related discussions in clinical stroke care.

Inclusion criteria

• Older adults aged 65-100 years.
• Diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in the subacute stage 1-6 months after stroke onset.
• A National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤ 15, indicating mild to moderate stroke severity.
• Clear consciousness and able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese.

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals diagnosed with chronic psychiatric disorders such as major depression, mania, or bipolar disorder.
• Older adults diagnosed with moderate to severe dementia.