[Knowledge and misconceptions on advance directives-results of a citizen survey].

ABSTRACT:

Background

Advance directives (ADs) such as living wills or healthcare powers of attorney are important tools to anticipate medical treatment decisions when decision-making capacity is lost in the future. Although a rising number of citizens in Germany are creating such documents, little is known about their knowledge of the purpose, types, and use of ADs. After more than 10 years since legislation on ADs came into force, this study intends to measure the objective knowledge of citizens and detect deficits in knowledge.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional quantitative survey of citizens aged 18+ in the city and county of Wuerzburg. The questionnaire included, among other things, possession, experience, and knowledge of ADs. Sampling was conducted via advertising and local

SUBMITTER: Fleischmann C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10539417 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature