Plain-English translation of NCT02799537 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing whether people prefer a newer, letter-style advance directive form compared to the traditional advance directive form used in California. Advance directives are legal documents that let you explain your medical wishes ahead of time, in case you're ever unable to make decisions yourself. The researchers want to know which format people find easier to use and understand.
Many people find traditional advance directives confusing or hard to complete, which means they may not finish them or may not clearly express their wishes. This trial is exploring whether a simpler, letter-based format might help more people successfully plan for their future medical care.
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You will read and sign an online consent form, then be randomly assigned to complete either the new letter-style advance directive or the traditional form. After completing your document, you'll answer a brief survey about how well you understood it and how much you liked using it. The entire process takes place online and should take about 30–45 minutes.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Oct 12, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Stanford University
Enrollment target
~1,000 participants
Started
February 2016
Primary completion
August 2026
This trial's estimated completion date has passed — the record may not be fully up to date.
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in April 2024.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
VJ Periyakoil, MD
Stanford University
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.