Role of children in end-of-life treatment planning among Korean American older adults.
Three focus groups (n = 23) with Korean American older adults explored the role of culture in end-of-life decision making. No participants had completed an advance directive and few had discussed end-of-life treatment preferences. Focus group themes addressed: (a) whether children are resistant or receptive to discussing their parents' end-of-life treatment preferences; (b) whether the older adults or their children should make decisions about end-of-life treatment; (c) whether decision making should be the responsibility of the eldest son or of all the children; and (d) whether children would implement the parent's preferences for end-of-life treatment. Understanding the role of children in end-of-life decision making among Korean American older adults is important for culturally competent care.
School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182-4119, USA. eko@mail.sdsu.edu
Eunjeong
E
Ko
Cathy S
CS
Berkman
D032721:Adult Children / Q000208:ethnology*; D032722:Advance Care Planning; D000368:Aged; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D032903:Confucianism; D003469:Culture; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D056910:Republic of Korea / Q000208:ethnology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology*