J Hosp Palliat Care.  2022 Dec;25(4):139-149. 10.14475/jhpc.2022.25.4.139.

Knowledge, Experience, and Attitudes of Nurses at Long-Term Care Hospitals regarding Advance Directives

• KMID: 2536519
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14475/jhpc.2022.25.4.139

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to promote awareness of the need for advance directives (ADs) and to provide baseline data for the development of a nurse training program about ADs.
Methods
Nurses at eight long-term care hospitals in Busan and South Gyeongsang Province (N=143) were recruited using the random sampling method from December 2018 to January 2019. Data were obtained using a structured self-reported questionnaire to assess their knowledge, experience, and attitudes regarding ADs. Data were analyzed in SPSS 22.0 using descriptive statistics, the t-test, analysis of variance, the Scheffé test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.
Results
The mean scores were 7.79±1.39 points for knowledge, 1.92±2.00 points for experience, and 2.80±0.24 points for attitudes regarding ADs. Knowledge and experience (r=0.32, P＜0.001) had a positive correlation with knowledge and attitudes (r=0.17, P=0.39).
Conclusion
According to the results, nurses generally had a high level of knowledge regarding ADs, which resulted in a positive attitude toward ADs. However, they had little experience with ADs. Therefore, nurses’ must develop both direct and indirect experience with ADs using a practical training program to strengthen their clinical competency regarding ADs.