Conocimiento, actitud y planificación de la voluntad vital anticipada en el Distrito Sanitario Guadalquivir de la provincia de Córdoba

Abstract

MotivationTo determine knowledge, attitude and planning of advance directives (AD) by means of primary care (PC) healthcare professionals (physicians and nurses) of the Health District of Guadalquivir in the province of Córdoba (Spain). MethodsCross-sectional descriptive study targeted at healthcare professionals who work in the Health District of Guadalquivir. Purposive probability sampling was conducted and reference sociodemographic variables are taken related to the knowledge and planning of the AD in clinical consultations. ResultsOut of the 85 participants, 48 (56.5%) are women. The average age was 48.6 years (SD:8.1). 54.1% are family physicians and 67.1% hold a tenured position. The average years worked in the Andalusian Health System or working years is 20 (SD:8.8). 95.3% know the AD is regulated by law in Andalusia and only 40% have read the AD document. 12.9% plan (previously and in the consultation) the AD and 37.6% know the Provincial Registry of AD. Average score given on knowledge of AD is 5.4 out of 10 (SD:1.8). ConclusionsThe AD is a provision still unknown by many healthcare professionals. While being considered a helpful tool in clinical practice, only few PC professionals have read it and know its procedure. More training by health administration is necessary for maintaining momentum and success of this provision, as well as enhancing dissemination and raising awareness amongst healthy population.