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Prevalence and predictors of advance directives in A ustralia
Author(s) -
White B.,
Tilse C.,
Wilson J.,
Rosenman L.,
Strub T.,
Feeney R.,
Silvester W.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
internal medicine journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 1444-0903
DOI - 10.1111/imj.12549
Subject(s) - medicine , advance care planning , estate planning , population , power of attorney , statute , health care , estate , population health , financial plan , gerontology , actuarial science , environmental health , finance , business , nursing , economic growth , palliative care , law , political science , economics
Background Advance care planning is regarded as integral to better patient outcomes, yet little is known about the prevalence of advance directives ( AD ) in A ustralia. Aim To determine the prevalence of AD in the Australian population. Methods A national telephone survey about estate and advance planning. Sample was stratified by age (18–45 and >45 years) and quota sampling occurred based on population size in each state and territory. Results Fourteen per cent of the Australian population has an AD . There is state variation with people from South A ustralia and Queensland more likely to have an AD than people from other states. Will making and particularly completion of a financial enduring power of attorney are associated with higher rates of AD completion. Standard demographic variables were of limited use in predicting whether a person would have an AD . Conclusions Despite efforts to improve uptake of advance care planning (including AD ), barriers remain. One likely trigger for completing an AD and advance care planning is undertaking a wider future planning process (e.g. making a will or financial enduring power of attorney). This presents opportunities to increase advance care planning, but steps are needed to ensure that planning, which occurs outside the health system, is sufficiently informed and supported by health information so that it is useful in the clinical setting. Variations by state could also suggest that redesign of regulatory frameworks (such as a user‐friendly and well‐publicised form backed by statute) may help improve uptake of AD .