Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41615826›Full record

ArticleHealth expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy2026

Empowering Older Patients in Advance Care Planning: Evaluating MyCare™ as a Decision Support Tool.

Alixe Ménard, Yamini Singh, Christina Yin, Sydney Ruller, Lauren Konikoff, Jackie Kierulf, Carol Bennett, Douglas Manuel, Shane Kirkham, Daniel Kobewka

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Empowering Older Patients in Advance Care Planning: Evaluating MyCare™ as a Decision Support Tool.Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy · 2026
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Alixe MénardOttawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.ORCID 0000-0002-5509-8960
Yamini SinghOttawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Christina YinOttawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Sydney RullerOttawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Lauren KonikoffBruyère Health Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Jackie KierulfOttawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Carol BennettOttawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Douglas ManuelOttawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Shane KirkhamOttawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Daniel KobewkaOttawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.ORCID 0000-0002-1812-2335

Funding

Canadian Institutes of Health Research Team RI 997395025
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundOlder adults with serious illness often face treatment decisions shaped by personal values, yet recognising and expressing those values in ways that guide decision-making can be challenging. This study evaluated the acceptability, usability and effectiveness of MyCare, a digital values clarification tool designed to help older adults identify and communicate their care preferences to substitute decision-makers, healthcare providers and support persons.

methodsThis convergent mixed-methods study explored older adults' experiences with MyCare. Acceptability was assessed using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability survey and qualitative interviews examining perceptions of the tool's relevance and ease of use. Usability was measured with the System Usability Scale and participant feedback on navigation and clarity. Potential effectiveness was evaluated based on self-reported ability to articulate and discuss care preferences. Semi-structured interviews explored these outcomes in depth and were analysed using thematic analysis.

resultsA total of 15 participants (mean age = 83.5 years, SD = 7.6) were surveyed and interviewed between November 2024 and January 2025, including five dyads (one son and mother, three husband-wife pairs, and two sisters). Key themes identified included: (1) navigating autonomy and delegation in end-of-life decision-making, (2) fragmented communication, (3) influence of lived and observed experiences on care decisions, (4) fears around acceptable and unacceptable quality of life, and (5) using MyCare to promote proactive care planning. Participants reported moderate electronic health literacy, and survey results indicated high usability (SUS mean 83.2/100) and strong acceptability of MyCare, particularly in comfort, perceived value and ease of use.

conclusionsMyCare demonstrated high acceptability and usability, with participants finding it effective in clarifying and communicating care preferences. It facilitated discussions about quality of life and decision-making, though challenges remain in addressing prognostic uncertainty and aligning preferences with realistic care goals. Future research should refine the tool to enhance its integration into routine healthcare settings. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: A patient partner was involved from the outset of this study as a co-author and co-decision-maker in the design and development of MyCare. Their lived experience as the adult child of someone with a serious illness informed the structure and priorities of the tool to ensure its relevance to patient needs. Following this, we engaged additional patients as research participants to provide feedback on usability and functionality. Their insights are being used to refine and adapt MyCare to maximise its impact for future patients.

Indexed as

Advance Care PlanningDecision Support TechniquesPatient ParticipationAgedAged, 80 and overDecision MakingFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicMaleQualitative ResearchSurveys and Questionnairesadvance care planningautonomygoals of carepalliative careshared decision‐making

Identifiers

PMID41615826
PMCPMC12857778

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.