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Oncology nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences regarding advance directives
Mary Ann Jezewski1, Jean Brown, Yow-Wu Bill Wu
1Center for Nursing Research, School of Nursing at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, USA. jezewski@buffalo.edu <jezewski@buffalo.edu>
Oncology Nursing Forum
|March 11, 2005
Summary
Oncology nurses show low knowledge and confidence in advance directives (ADs). More education and time are needed to improve patient support in end-of-life care planning.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Research
- Oncology Nursing
- Bioethics
Background:
- Advance directives (ADs) are crucial for patient autonomy in end-of-life care.
- Oncology nurses play a vital role in facilitating AD discussions and completion.
- Understanding nurses' perspectives is key to improving AD implementation in cancer care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess oncology nurses' knowledge of advance directives (ADs).
- To evaluate oncology nurses' attitudes toward ADs.
- To explore oncology nurses' experiences with ADs.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, correlational survey design was employed.
- The Knowledge, Attitudinal, and Experiential Survey on Advance Directives instrument was used.
- Data were collected from 794 randomly selected Oncology Nursing Society members.
Main Results:
- Nurses demonstrated limited knowledge regarding the Patient Self-Determination Act and state laws (51-53% correct).
- Overall knowledge score was 58%, with lower confidence in assisting patients with ADs.
- Attitudes reflected strong support for patient advocacy in end-of-life decisions, particularly regarding pain management.
Conclusions:
- Oncology nurses' knowledge and confidence levels regarding ADs are suboptimal.
- Demographic factors did not significantly impact knowledge, confidence, or experience with ADs.
- Enhanced education and dedicated time are essential to improve nurses' ability to support patients with AD completion.
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