Advance healthcare directives in mental health: A qualitative analysis from a Spanish healthcare professional's viewpoint

Abstract

Introduction: An advance healthcare directive (AHD) is a written document that contains a patient‐in‐care's will and preferences concerning the treatment options available to them, should they lack decision‐making capacity. AHDs are completed within a broader framework known as advance care planning. No study has explored the viewpoint of Spanish mental healthcare professionals towards AHDs. Aim: To explore the viewpoint of mental health professionals towards the implementation of AHDs in mental health. Method: A qualitative study was conducted using semi‐structured interviews that were thematically analysed. Findings: Three main themes were identified: care planning culture; barriers for the practical management of AHDs; and reasons to not honour patient‐in‐care AHDs. Discussion: Professionals find it pragmatically difficult to stop applying traditional paternalistic practices. To implement AHDs, improving the knowledge and awareness of AHDs and management of non‐technical skills through training is required. Such training should include users and families and allow for compliance with United Nations requirements. Implications for practice: Advance healthcare directives offer important information regarding user preferences, although they pose challenges for practices. Acquiring an up‐to‐date perspective on the attitudes of professionals towards AHDs allows organizations to attend to particular aspects that require reinforcement. Wider awareness, staff training and new ways of relating to users are necessary to implement AHDs in Spanish context. Relevance statement: A better understanding of the attitudes of Spanish mental health professionals towards AHDs was achieved. Despite the implementation of AHDs being an important and potentially beneficial initiative, mental health professionals find many pragmatic issues that need addressing before AHDs become a reality in their clinical practice. Wider awareness, staff training, personalized assistance and new ways of relating to users are required to implement AHDs in everyday practice.