Perceptions, Attitudes, and Knowledge toward Advance Directives: A Scoping Review

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Macedo, JC (Author) Other; Rego, F (Author) FMUP; Rui Nunes (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Healthcare

Vol. 11

Final page: 2755

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Z-9M6

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202755

Abstract (EN): (1) Background: Advance directives are an expression of a person's autonomy regarding end-of-life care. Several studies have shown that the level of completion in countries where advance directives are legalised is low. To better understand this phenomenon, it is important to know the perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge that the population has about this instrument. The aim of this article was to explore a population's perceptions and/or attitudes and/or knowledge toward advance directives. (2) Methods: A search was conducted in March 2023 in the ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and PubMed databases using the following keywords: advance care directives, advance care planning, perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge. Two hundred and twenty-four (224) articles were identified, and thirteen (13) were included for analysis. (3) Results: The selected articles point to a low level of knowledge toward advance directives: they recognise a strong positive attitude of the population toward the implementation of advance directives but a low level of achievement. (4) Conclusions: Studies on perceptions/attitudes/knowledge toward advance directives are important to understand the real needs of the population regarding this issue and to implement more adequate and effective promotion and dissemination measures.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15