J Korean Crit Care Nurs.  2018 Feb;11(1):35-45. 10.0000/jkccn.2018.11.1.35.

Knowledge, Confidence, and Learning Needs Regarding Advance Directives among Hospital Nurses

• Jang NS
• Park HS
• Kim MR
• Lee JY
• Cho YW
• Kim KM
• Son YJ

• KMID: 2407170
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jkccn.2018.11.1.35

Abstract

PURPOSE
Nurses' knowledge regarding advance directives may affect their administration of and confidence towards end of life care. This study aimed to describe the relationships of knowledge, confidence, and learning needs with advance directives among hospital nurses. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary university hospital in Seoul between September 25 and October 14, 2017. Convenience sampling was used to recruit nurses who provided bedside care and had at least 1 year of clinical experience. We used a validated self-report questionnaire.
RESULTS
The mean score of knowledge, confidence and learning needs were 5.00±1.73, 29.81±7.52, and 64.54±8.48 respectively. Hospital nurses' knowledge, confidence and learning needs were significantly different according to age, job position, educational level and perceived advance directives. Knowledge regarding advance directives was significantly associated with confidence (r = .27, p < .001) and learning needs (r = .16, p = .005).
CONCLUSION
Knowledge regarding advance directives was relatively low compared to the findings of previous studies. Therefore, nurses should be knowledgeable and encouraged to initiate advance directives. It is necessary to develop a standardized educational program regarding advance directives based on Korean cultures.

Keyword

Advance directives; Knowledge; Confidence; Learning; Life sustaining care

MeSH Terms

Advance Directives*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Learning*
Methods
Seoul
Terminal Care