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Advance directives for the elderly: a survey
A N Damato1, T K Reddy, P Rusche
1Department of Medicine, Jersey City Medical Center, NJ 07304.
New Jersey Medicine : the Journal of the Medical Society of New Jersey
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Many elderly individuals are unaware of advance health care directives, despite their importance for end-of-life care planning. Physician discussions about these directives are infrequent, highlighting a gap in patient-doctor communication regarding future medical wishes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Health Law
- Bioethics
Background:
- The New Jersey Advance Directives for Health Care Act was enacted in 1991.
- Advance directives are crucial for respecting patient autonomy in end-of-life care.
- Understanding public knowledge and physician practices regarding these directives is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the knowledge and interest of the elderly population in New Jersey regarding advance directives.
- To explore elderly individuals' preferences for end-of-life care.
- To determine the extent to which physicians discuss advance directives with their elderly patients.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to elderly individuals in New Jersey.
- The survey collected data on awareness and interest in advance directives.
- Questions also covered end-of-life care preferences and physician communication.
Main Results:
- Findings indicated a significant lack of awareness among the elderly regarding advance directives.
- Interest in advance directives was present, but knowledge gaps were substantial.
- Physician discussions about advance directives with elderly patients were found to be infrequent.
Conclusions:
- There is a need to improve public education on advance directives for the elderly.
- Enhanced communication between physicians and elderly patients about end-of-life care is recommended.
- Policy or educational interventions may be necessary to increase the use of advance directives.