Authors (including presenting author) :
Wu OH(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
In view of the ageing population and the prevalence of chronic diseases in Hong Kong, the demand for medical services will be huge, especially in palliative care and end-of-life care. The development of these services in Hong Kong was catching up with the international standard. Among the end-of-life care, Advance Care Planning is an important component that gained international attention for its perceived benefits. However, people have different opinions on Advance Care Planning and discussion related to end-of-life care. The literature related to the attitudes on Advance Care Planning among the Chinese frail elderly in the acute hospital setting was limited.
Objectives :
(1) To explore the attitudes among the Chinese frail patients who aged 65 or above in acute hospital setting regarding Advance Care Planning; and (2) to investigate their views on discussing end-of-life care issues.
Methodology :
This was a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews. 11 male patients in a medical ward of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital were invited. The interviews were analyzed using conventional content analysis.
Result & Outcome :
Four themes were categorized: (1) misconceptions of advance care planning; (2) individuality on decision making of end-of-life care and advance care planning; (3) the role of healthcare professionals and the preferred timing for proposing advance care planning; and (4) usefulness of advance care planning. Most of the participants appreciated the perceived benefits of Advance Care Planning and were willing to start this conversation if the time has come. However, small group of people were unfamiliar to Advance Care Planning and believed it might lead to a negative feeling. Participants suggested that further promotion of the Advance Care Planning was needed. Therefore, further development and promotion of Advance Care Planning is essential to enhance public understanding and encourage more people to initiate the conversation. More people can experience the benefits from planning ahead to their end-of-life.
