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Promoting the use of advance directives. An empirical study
K P Richter1, S Langel, S B Fawcett
1Department of Human Development, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA.
Objective:
To examine the effects of a practical method to increase patient completion and filing of advance directives.
Methods:
Randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of structured discussions, information, and mailed reminders on completion of advance directives by internal medicine outpatients.
Main Outcome Measure:
Presence of advance directives in patients' medical files. Secondary analyses include (1) participant satisfaction with procedures, (2) data on delayed effects of discussion, and (3) data on discrepancies in patients' completion of forms.
Results:
Six months following the intervention, 23% of patients in the experimental group and 3% of patients in the control group had directives on file. The findings were statistically significant. Patients, nurses, and physicians were satisfied with intervention procedures. Chart reviews at 6 weeks and 6 months indicated that intervention effects were delayed.
Conclusions:
Structured discussions and follow-up mailings substantially increased use of advance directives and were time effective and cost-effective.