Advance Directives and End-of-Life Care: Completion, Conversations, and Concerns of Burlington Housing Authority Residents

摘要

Introduction: •An Advance Directive is a document that allows patients to declare their wishes regarding medical care and decision making should they become unable to communicate their preferences due to an accident or illness. •The Patient Self Determination Act, passed in 1991, requires that health care institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes, inform patients of their rights to make health care decisions, the hospitals policies regarding recognition of Advance Directives, and educate the staff and community about advance care planning. •Despite the passage of this legislation, completion of Advance Directives remains low. It is estimated that less than 25% of adults nationwide have completed an Advance Directive.