Engaging in deliberative dialogue to co-design a digital technology to facilitate serious illness conversations and advanced care planning with racialized populations in primary care

Serious illness conversations (SIC) are critical for empowering patients to make informed decisions, aligned with their values and goals. However, these conversations are distressing for patients and families, particularly those who experience discrimination.

Racialized people are more likely to receive aggressive care and to die in an ICU, due to care delays, communication difficulties and differential access to palliative care. Preliminary discussions with Black, South Asian, and Chinese patient partners highlighted suboptimal care experiences related to not understanding their doctors, feeling unheard, and hesitating to ask questions. Humans have a strong need to be understood, particularly during their serious illness journey. Digital-first technology can promote human connection and proactive care between patients and providers. The primary care setting also provides an opportunity to improve the quality of SIC in healthcare. Azza’s project will engage patients, providers and technology experts to co-design digital technology that promotes compassionate SICs in primary care.