Advance care planning in Japan: Gaps between policy, ethical understanding, and its translation into clinical practice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Advance care planning (ACP) has become central to end-of-life policy in Japan, aiming to uphold autonomy and dignity. However, conceptual confusion about its ethical and legal foundations risks promoting a procedural rather than ethically grounded approach to ACP.

Aims

This study aimed to (1) assess healthcare professionals' knowledge of ethical and legal concepts in medical decision-making, (2) examine how patient autonomy is respected through clinical vignettes, and (3) identify factors associated with respect for autonomy.

Design

Cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

Methods

Healthcare professionals (n = 549) in a Tokyo geriatric hospital completed measures of attitudes toward and experiences with end-of-life care, knowledge of legislation

SUBMITTER: Ito K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12855754 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature