Table 1 Family caregivers’ concerns about advance care planning (ACP) by ACP initiation and professional involvement

I have no idea what or how to think about having a conversation with my family member with dementia regarding ACP

3.3 (1.1)

3.3 (1.1)^a

3.6 (1.0)^a

4.52

.012

I do not want to think about my family member’s end of life process

3.0 (1.2)

2.9 (1.2)

3.0 (1.2)

0.57

.564

I feel that I am not allowed to initiate a conversation about ACP with my family physician or other professionals who care for my family member

2.3 (1.0)^a

2.5 (1.0)^b

3.0 (1.0)^a,b

13.43

 < .001

I am concerned that initiating a conversation regarding ACP will cause emotional pain for my family member

2.9 (1.0)

3.1 (1.2)

3.1 (1.0)

0.97

.380

I do not exactly know what my family member’s values and goals are

2.9 (1.1)

3.2 (1.1)

3.2 (1.0)

2.33

.098

If I had dementia, I would like to initiate the conversation regarding my ACP^†

4.2 (1.0)^a

3.9 (1.1)^b

3.5 (1.1)^a,b

13.71

 < .001

Sum of scores

16.3 (4.3)^a

17.1 (4.3)^b

18.5 (3.8)^a,b

10.27

 < .001