Abstract: Objective: To explore the perspectives and practice status quo of Advance Care Planning (ACP) among medical professionals. Methods: The phenomenological research method was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 medical staff in two tertiary hospitals, a community health service center and a hospice hospital in Beijing from September to November 2021. Data were analyzed by using Colaizzi's 7-step analysis method. Results: There are 4 themes and 9 sub-themes emerged from the interview data. The four themes were: (1) ACP is still in its infancy in China, and clinical practice is still in the trial stage; (2) medical professionals do not have enough knowledge of the ACP concept, but hold a positive attitude towards the significance of ACP; (3) the communication time, ability of medical professionals and the actual situation of patients are the keys to ACP practice; (4) traditional cultural concepts, inadequate medical investment and policy are the barriers to the current practice of ACP. Conclusion: It is necessary to pay attention to the perspectives and practical ability of ACP among medical professionals. We should further explore culturally appropriate ACP practice strategies based on the problems and dilemmas found in this study, so as to promote the implementation of ACP by medical professionals in the future.

Key words: Advance Care Planning; health care providers; perception and practice; qualitative study