Korean J Hosp Palliat Care.  2013 Jun;16(2):90-97. 10.14475/kjhpc.2013.16.2.090.

Public Perception and Acceptance of the National Strategy for Well-Dying

• Lee SH
• Shin DE
• Sim JA
• Yun YH

• KMID: 2305309
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14475/kjhpc.2013.16.2.090

Abstract

PURPOSE
Ten years have passed since the Korean government announced its plan to institutionally support hospice and palliative care in 2002. In line with that, this study aims to suggest future directions for Korea's hospice and palliative care policy.
METHODS
We conducted a survey on people's perception and acceptance of well-dying. Data were collected from 1,000 participants aged 19~69 years between June 1 and June 11, 2012 via computer-assisted telephone interviews.
RESULTS
The most important factor for well-dying was placing no burden of care on others (36.7%) and the second most important factor was staying with their family and loved ones (19.1%). Among nine suggestions of policy support for well-dying, the most popular was the promotion of voluntary care sharing (88.3%), followed by the palliative care training support for healthcare providers (83.7%) and the support for palliative care facilities instead of funeral halls (81.7%). The idea of formulating a five-year national plan for end-of-life care drew strong support (91%). According to the survey, the plan should be implemented by the central government (47.5%), the National Assembly (20.2%) or civic groups (10%).
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated the public consensus and their consistent direction toward policy support for well-dying. Results of this study may serve as a foundation for the establishment of policy support for people's well-dying and palliative care at the national-level.

Keyword

Attitude to death; Right to die; Health policy; Republic of Korea; Decision making; Terminal care

MeSH Terms

Aged
Attitude to Death
Consensus
Decision Making
Health Personnel
Health Policy
Hospices
Humans
Love
Palliative Care
Republic of Korea
Right to Die
Telephone
Terminal Care
Training Support