John M Clements1. 1. Department of Research, Synergy Medical Education Alliance, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Saginaw, Michigan 48602, USA. jclements@synergymedical.org
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Use of advance directives is underutilized despite the Patient Self Determination Act of 1990. This study was undertaken to determine use and opinions of advance directives by patients at a multidisciplinary. METHODS: Institutional Review Board-approved prospective survey of patients age 18 and over. RESULTS: Of 306 participants, 77 (25.2%) had a durable power of attorney and 45 (14.7%) had living wills. Of these, 226 (73.9%) responded that it was important to make health care wishes known to their doctor. Only 36 (15.9%) had done so. A total of 266 (86.9%) felt it was important to discuss health care wishes with their family and only 160 (60.1%) had done so. CONCLUSIONS: While adequately describing use and attitudes toward advance directives, it is significant to note that patients believe their wishes for end-of-life care will be honored; however, they fail to take the necessary steps to guarantee this.
INTRODUCTION: Use of advance directives is underutilized despite the Patient Self Determination Act of 1990. This study was undertaken to determine use and opinions of advance directives by patients at a multidisciplinary. METHODS: Institutional Review Board-approved prospective survey of patients age 18 and over. RESULTS: Of 306 participants, 77 (25.2%) had a durable power of attorney and 45 (14.7%) had living wills. Of these, 226 (73.9%) responded that it was important to make health care wishes known to their doctor. Only 36 (15.9%) had done so. A total of 266 (86.9%) felt it was important to discuss health care wishes with their family and only 160 (60.1%) had done so. CONCLUSIONS: While adequately describing use and attitudes toward advance directives, it is significant to note that patients believe their wishes for end-of-life care will be honored; however, they fail to take the necessary steps to guarantee this.
Authors: Mariana Manrique; Pamela A Kozlowski; Antonio Cobo-Molinos; Shainn-Wei Wang; Robert L Wilson; David C Montefiori; Angela Carville; Anna Aldovini Journal: J Virol Date: 2013-02-13 Impact factor: 5.103