Outpatients' attitudes regarding advance directives.

摘要: BACKGROUND: Although many bedside ethical dilemmas can be avoided if patients discuss their wishes regarding the use of life-prolonging treatment and aggressiveness care, physicians are reluctant to raise this issue with patients. Physicians may wait for such discussions until a patient is ill or elderly raises first. METHODS: Three hundred adult visiting family physician's office were asked complete 19-item questionnaire. In addition providing demographic information, they whether had discussed treatments physician; what attitude was toward having these in various situations; whom wanted initiate discussion, else wishes. RESULTS: Of respondents who not previously physician, 68% physician discussion. Only 11% did want bring up subject. A majority all age groups thought it somewhat very important matter both when healthy ill. CONCLUSIONS: Very few would upset raised even he she so during an initial visit. To avoid problems later, should take active role by raising questions early patient-physician relationship rather than waiting do so.