Patient Perceptions on the Use of Advance Directives and Life Prolonging Technology

Abstract

Use of advance directives is underutilized despite the Patient Self Determination Act of 1990. This study was undertaken to determine use and opinions of advance directives by patients at a multidisciplinary. Institutional Review Board-approved prospective survey of patients age 18 and over. Of 306 participants, 77 (25.2%) had a durable power of attorney and 45 (14.7%) had living wills. Of these, 226 (73.9%) responded that it was important to make health care wishes known to their doctor. Only 36 (15.9%) had done so. A total of 266 (86.9%) felt it was important to discuss health care wishes with their family and only 160 (60.1%) had done so. While adequately describing use and attitudes toward advance directives, it is significant to note that patients believe their wishes for end-of-life care will be honored; however, they fail to take the necessary steps to guarantee this.