Public awareness of patient rights, consent forms and advance statements

摘要

The subject of this study is the availability of, and access to, information concerning individuals' end-of-life health situations. The sensitive issues surrounding this subject are considered in detail, and the restraints, primarily legal, placed upon information availability highlighted. Questionnaires and interviews were used to determine public and professional awareness of, and attitudes towards, the issues and were compared with a similar, albeit larger, survey conducted by the Department of Health. Complementary to this fieldwork, a review of current and proposed clinical policies, guidelines and legislation and of media commentary was undertaken. The study revealed much public confusion and ignorance about how people can influence the medical treatment they receive when seriously or terminally ill. The study revealed an urgent need for Government initiatives to provide more information on patient rights in relation to consent forms and advance statements.