Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-29-2004
Abstract
There are many socio-cultural and economic factors that shape discussions about treatment options for terminally ill patients. These factors include access to life prolonging medical options, societal priorities regarding the allocation of limited health care resources, cost constraints of payers and societal consensus that patient autonomy underpins life-sustaining treatment decisions. The focus of this study is primarily directed to issues of end-of-life care decisions as they relate to advance directives (AD) and palliative care. It is argued that when death is expected or foreseeable, that advance care planning has value for the individual, family, organization and community. It is debatable whether ADs are of value in actual decisions regarding advance care planning, particularly as the end of life approaches. There is some evidence to suggest that the conversations with patient, family, health care proxy and others are more helpful than a written AD. Various healthcare providers working in a palliative care environment will be interviewed to examine their experiences in the use of advance care planning – both written advance directives and evidence of family discussions about planning care. The concepts of autonomy and social capital are explored as possible theoretical models on which to base findings. This study will include both qualitative and quantitative analysis of data and the generation of theory.
Keywords
business planning, advance directives, advance care planning, autonomy, end of life, palliative care, hospice, and social capital
Rights
© The Author(s). Kelvin Smith Library provides access for non-commercial, personal, or research use only. All other use, including but not limited to commercial or scholarly reproductions, redistribution, publication or transmission, whether by electronic means or otherwise, without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Department/Center
Design & Innovation
Recommended Citation
Morse, Beth Lada, "End-of-Life Decision-Making Through Advanced Directives and Pallative Care" (2004). Student Scholarship. 188.
https://commons.case.edu/studentworks/188
