Knowledge of end-of-life law: A cross-sectional survey of general practitioners working in aged care.

Abstract

To describe the knowledge of end-of-life law and experiences in practice at the end of life amongst Australian general practitioners (GPs). A cross-sectional online survey of GPs practising in aged care settings in Queensland (QLD), New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC). From 521 potential GPs, 160 (response rate 30.7%) were included in the final sample. Most participants (62%) reported experience with six key end-of-life areas at least 'a few times', including 74% administering medication for pain and symptom relief, and 67% facilitating advance care planning 'several' or 'many times' and perceiving they had 'some' knowledge of end-of-life law (53%, n=84). However, low-to-moderate actual levels of end-of-life legal knowledge were identified (mean correct response of 5.24 out of 9). Australian GPs working in aged care may have low-to-moderate knowledge about end-of-life law despite frequently making end-of-life decisions in clinical practice.