Barriers to and readiness for advance care planning: a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative and qualitative evidence.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Advance care planning (ACP) allows individuals to express their values and preferences for future medical care, yet participation remains low globally. Understanding readiness for ACP and the barriers and facilitators influencing engagement is essential for effective implementation.

Methods

Following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and grey literature up to September 2025. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies involving adults (patients, families, or healthcare providers) were included. Quantitative data on ACP readiness or acceptance were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis, while qualitative data were synthesized

SUBMITTER: Abera EG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12836805 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature