Proxy medical decision-making: national survey

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Population ageing and rising care needs necessitate adults making medical decisions for others.
• Proxy medical decision-making significantly impacts patient treatment and end-of-life care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of proxy medical decision-making in Singapore.
• To identify demographic and care-related factors associated with this practice.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was conducted.
• A nationally representative sample of 311 Singapore residents participated.
• An 80% participation rate was achieved.

Main Results:

• 73% of respondents assisted with medical decisions, 58% with activities of daily living (ADLs), and 88% with instrumental ADLs (IADLs).
• Digital caregiver accounts, lasting power of attorney, and assisting with ADLs/IADLs were linked to proxy decision-making.
• No significant impact was observed for gender, ethnicity, income, or age.

Conclusions:

• A majority of Singaporean adults engage in caregiving and proxy medical decision-making.
• These informal helping behaviors may heighten caregiver burden and raise concerns about potential power abuse.