Young adults in ACP research
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Advance directive (AD) research has focused on elderly and/or terminally ill patients with little research addressing younger adults. Even then, most research regarding advance directives and the younger population has failed to identify specific behaviors related to ACP. While a handful of research studies have included both younger and older adults, far fewer studies have focused specifically on younger adults attending college.
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Fortunately, researchers are highlighting the importance and need for young adults attending college to engage in ACP. In 2016, research with patients and clinicians emphasized the value of beginning advance care planning conversations with healthy young adults. Several studies have identified the young adult college student population as ready and willing to participate in ACP with a lack of knowledge as the biggest barrier to their involvement.
In the few ACP research studies that have been conducted with healthy young adults, the majority of participants cited lack of awareness, familiarity, and knowledge as the biggest reasons for not having previously participated in ACP. Many young adults specifically identified age and knowledge as the primary reasons for not having an AD.
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Multiple research studies have reported a positive result or experience when young adults are introduced to ACP through study participation, and many participants viewed ACP as important and sought more information. Other studies found that undergraduate college students who participated in ACP felt empowered, saw the ACP process as a positive experience, and believed the process facilitated end-of-life care conversations with family and friends.
In one study, more than 50% of millennials (those born from 1981 to 1997) stated they have already had end-of-life care conversations with a family member, and 57% are willing or very willing to have such conversations. Current research has shown young adult college students (18-34 years of age) understand the value of and are interested in learning more about ACP. In addition, the majority of participants felt that all capable adults should engage in ACP.