RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Feasibility and Acceptability of the “About Me” Care Card as a Tool for Engaging Older Adults in Conversations About Cognitive Impairment
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 117
OP 126
DO 10.1370/afm.240165
VO 23
IS 2
A1 Grande, Stuart W.
A1 Epperly, Mikele
A1 Tan, Karynn Yee-Huey
A1 Yagnik, Supriya
A1 Ellenbogen, Michael
A1 Pederson, Jane
A1 Villarejo-Galende, Alberto
A1 Ziegler, Rae Lynn
A1 Kotzbauer, Greg
YR 2025
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/23/2/117.abstract
AB PURPOSE We aimed to address fears and lived experiences of cognitive decline among adults via whole-person conversations that elicit problems and goals that matter most to patients. Currently, 6.7 million Americans have Alzheimer disease or related dementias, with an additional 28 million people reporting subjective cognitive decline—a possible indicator of Alzheimer disease and related dementias. A review of tools for older adults with cognitive impairment showed strong clinical specificity, with insufficient whole-person support for patients. We developed and tested the feasibility and acceptability of a tool to enhance conversations for adults with cognitive impairment at the point of care.METHODS We conducted a feasibility study to build a conversation tool, guided by principles of shared decision making, called the “About Me” Care Card. Informed by an environmental scan, we created and pilot-tested prototypes at implementation sites. All phases were overseen by a multidisciplinary steering committee.RESULTS Fourteen diverse clinicians consisting of 7 clinician types across 7 institutions piloted the card during in-person visits or by telephone. Observations showed that the card (1) allowed time to elicit what matters most to patients, (2) created space for personalized care conversations, (3) opened an examination of social care needs, and (4) moderated emotional relationships between families and individuals.CONCLUSION A community-based codesign process led to a feasible tool for primary care teams to facilitate whole-person conversations with aging adults. The About Me Care Card appeared to broaden conversations compared with routine care. More work is needed to determine scalability and effects on outcomes.