Analyzing the Values History: An Evaluation of Patient Medical Values and Advance Directives

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between values and advance-directive preferences in the outpatient setting. A list of values and advance-directive statements from the Values History by Doukas and McCullough formed the basis of inquiry. The three goals of this study were: (1) to measure patient evaluation of specific medical values regarding terminal health care; (2) to measure patient evaluation of medical interventions of terminal health care; and (3) to measure the relationship between patient values and their attitudes toward medical interventions.