Defining Advance Care Planning in Latin America: A Consensus Definition from a Delphi Panel Supported by the Latin American Association for Palliative Care.

• Grant number: 25/15056-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Edison Iglesias de Oliveira Vidal
• Grantee: Natália Rocha Tardelli
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FMB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction/Aims: Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a key and evolving component of palliative care. Recently, North American and European groups have developed definitions of ACP, framing it as a communicative process that supports individuals in understanding and defining their goals and preferences for future healthcare. However, data from a previous study conducted by our research group suggest that these definitions fail to encompass important sociocultural aspects relevant to ACP practices in Latin America (LA), such as the presence of a relational model of autonomy - which involves families in healthcare decision-making - and the influence of spirituality/religiosity on care preferences. The use of ACP definitions and models originating from the Global North, which are misaligned with these aspects, appears to be a barrier to improving palliative care (PC) in LA. From a decolonial perspective, this study aims to build a consensus on a Latin American definition of ACP and to develop recommendations for its implementation and effectiveness, tailored to the realities of LA populations. This may contribute to the advancement of PC across the continent. Methods: This is a Delphi study that will follow the recommendations of the Conducting and Reporting of Delphi Studies (CREDES) guidelines. The questionnaire to be administered to panelists will be developed by a committee of LA experts, based on data from our previous study. Panelists will be recruited through the Latin American Association for Palliative Care, which has supported this research. Eligibility criteria include having five or more years of experience in ACP practice or ACP research in LA. Individuals with conflicts of interest will be excluded. (AU)