The Preparedness of Hong Kong Medical Students towards Advance Directives and End-of-Life Issues

摘要: Abstract Objectives: To explore the preparedness of medical students towards advance directives and related end-of-life issues, to examine background factors such as knowledge, attitudes, experience concerning issues. Methods: In 2007, 448 in years 3 5 were surveyed at Li Ka Shing Faculty Medicine, The University Hong Kong, Kong. Their experiences their self-perceived discuss these matters with patients evaluated. Results: A total 220 (49%) eligible responded, whom 79% supported use directives. Only 65 (30%) certain what meant 198 (90%) felt that knowledge was inadequate. Also, 197 unprepared about Factors associated positive attitude included religion knowledge. No found be or Conclusions: Most demonstrated a recognised importance However, they lacking Wider range more depth education is needed better equip for future practice. Key words: Advance directives; Kong; Living wills; Questionnaires; Students, (ProQuest: ... denotes formula omitted.) Introduction general, concept (AD) health care refers statement, usually written, which mentally competent individual specifies form desired event competence lacking.1 Legal scholars regard it an extension human rights, largely derived from principles informed consent respect autonomy. purpose AD permit fulfil goals according own value system, relieve family stress. Since context Kong currently restricted refusal life-sustaining treatment, might required evaluate whether wider approach planning merited future.2 From global perspective, forerunners debate on include USA, Canada, some European nations; date, all North American states most Canadian provinces have adopted legislation AD. While relatively lower public awareness AD, forms are legally Denmark, UK, Belgium, France, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Netherlands.3 Australia New Zealand, now formally under either common law legislation.3 Singapore has been particularly progressive since 1996.1 It noteworthy cultural religious views impact decision-making processes many Asian countries. This can create ambivalence determining how best plan care. Japan, although concerns arisen past decade, 2003 study general population preferences showed participants appropriate express by word / physician, but not written documentation reasons. Thus, Japan no provision living wills binding.4 Similarly, Malaysia, elderly people receptive unnecessary formal documents due beliefs.5 unsurprising issue increasingly aired community shares multiple challenges its neighbours, including increased longevity, education, shrinking networks, contribute drive comprehensive planning. …