Key points
- We're working with universities to build a strong research and evidence base for advance care planning
- Email us if you want to collaborate on a research project
We collaborate with leading universities and key organisations to deliver high-quality research and build robust evidence in the evolving field of advance care planning. We’re dedicated to improving implementation and uptake of advance care planning nationally, and regularly share our findings in academic and report publications.
Through our commitment to research, we:
- provide recommendations to improve advance care planning uptake nationwide
- shape strategy and guide evidence-informed policy and advocacy efforts
- equip healthcare professionals and policymakers with valuable information to support better outcomes
- influence future research directions focused on developing and refining tailored interventions and quality advance care planning measures.
Current research projects
2025 Advance Care Planning Prevalence in Australia
We commissioned a 2025 national prevalence study about advance care planning in Australia.
This is the first national prevalence study to take a modern approach to advance care planning. Rather than focusing solely on document completion, the research considers other key elements. These include talking with loved ones, choosing substitute decision-makers, and overall motivators and attitudes that drive uptake.
This research sets a vital national benchmark for understanding the uptake of advance care planning across Australia. It also lays the groundwork for tracking future changes in awareness, attitudes, and participation over time.
Download the full report [PDF 3460.71 KB]
Download the infographic [PDF 187.12 KB]
Research collaboration
Some of the current research projects we’re collaborating on:
- Hosting the 9th International Advance Care Planning Conference from 24 to 26 September 2025, with Advance Care Planning International Society
- The Australian Motor Neurone Disease National Guideline with Centre for Health Evidence Synthesis, University of Adelaide
- ICanCarePlan Program by developing advance care planning resources for registered interpreters working in hospital settings with Australian Institute for Health Innovation, Macquarie University
- Empowering older Australians to make end of life choices through connecting system silos with Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology
- Understanding communication about advance care planning across the lifespan, with Flinders University.
- Advance Care Planning Education for Health Professionals, with Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service and the Queensland Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning.
Publications
- Chesterman J, Joyce C. (2025). Destination or journey? What constitutes successful advance care planning? Journal of Law and Medicine 32 (1): 188-197. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.T2025071600016200029612010
- Prasetio T, Joyce C, Scott J, Parker G (2025). Prevalence of Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Health Directive documents among culturally and linguistically diverse patients receiving community palliative care: A study in Queensland's most culturally diverse health service. Internal Medicine Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.70161
Get involved
We invite opportunities to partner with individuals and organisations doing research in similar areas of interests.
If you’d like to collaborate on a research project, please email acpa@advancecareplanning.org.au.
Support and more information
If you have any questions or need more information about advance care planning in your workplace, you can contact us.
Our National Advance Care Planning Advisory Service is open for health and aged care staff.
Call us on 1300 208 582
Email us at acpa@advancecareplanning.org.au
We're here from 8 am to 4 pm (AEST), Monday to Friday.
Order resources
We have a range of printable resources for health professionals, see our support materials or order bulk packs of community resources.
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