Abstract
This project was a collaborative effort in which both researchers brought unique perspectives, ideas, and strengths to the forefront of this project. Both researchers were responsible for conducting surveys, collecting literature, and creating the project. Advance Health Care Directives (AHCD) are an important part of the health care system. Social workers are typically the staff that helps educate the patients and assist them with completing advance directives. There has not been a training tool at California State University, Sacramento to help Master of Social Work students learn about AHCDs. One hundred and four students were given a questionnaire that asked about experience and knowledge with AHCDs. They were also asked how often they used AHCDs in their field placements. Students were also asked about what they would like learn about AHCD and social work practice. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Researchers concluded that Master level social work students had little to no training with AHCDs and do not have an appropriate level of knowledge to assist patients with these important documents. Study results were used to inform the development of a three-hour curriculum on ACHDs to be used in the classroom. In addition, this curriculum could be used by agencies and in other venues in the community to educate others on ACHD.