Advance directives in the primary care setting

Advance directives have been available for more than 20 years, yet only 2% of patients report having had a discussion about them with their physician. Physicians and patients appear to be reluctant to bring up the subject despite evidence that patients not only want help with advance directives, but...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 2004-07, Vol.116 (13), p.417
Main Author: Pugno, Perry A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Advance Directives - legislation & jurisprudence
Ambulatory Care
Humans
Legal Guardians - legislation & jurisprudence
Patient Education as Topic - legislation & jurisprudence
Physician-Patient Relations
Primary Health Care - legislation & jurisprudence
United States
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Summary:Advance directives have been available for more than 20 years, yet only 2% of patients report having had a discussion about them with their physician. Physicians and patients appear to be reluctant to bring up the subject despite evidence that patients not only want help with advance directives, but report more satisfaction with their health care when the topic is addressed. The primary care setting is particularly well-suited to the establishment of advance directives. A clearer understanding of the benefits of advance directives to physicians and their patients can hopefully increase the use of this important health care resource.
ISSN:0043-5325
DOI:10.1007/BF03040928