Feasibility and Acceptability of the "About Me" Care Card as a Tool for Engaging Older Adults in Conversations About Cognitive Impairment

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.