Advance Directives for Medical Care -- a Case for Greater Use

Abstract

This study examined in detail patient and public attitudes toward advance directives. A group of primary care outpatients and a sample of the Boston general public were interviewed to answer questions about interest in advance directives, perceived barriers to completing directives, preferences for various life-sustaining treatments and their correlation with age and health status, and the practical aspects of planning advance directives in the setting of a physician's office. The authors conclude that advance directives are desired by most people, require physician initiative, and can be discussed and completed during a regular office visit. (KIE abstract)