Patient perceptions on the use of advance directives and life prolonging technology.
BACKGROUND
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.
Clements
John M
JM
Department of Research, Synergy Medical Education Alliance, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Saginaw, Michigan 48602, USA. jclements@synergymedical.org
D000328:Adult; D024362:Advance Directive Adherence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016223:Advance Directives / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000367:Age Factors; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D004522:Educational Status; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D008875:Middle Aged; D028701:Patient Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012067:Religion; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology*