Yates Jean A, Rutsohn Phil, Ibrahim Nabil
Graduate School of Management, Marshall University, South Charleston, West Virginia, USA.
Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2003 Sep-Oct;20(5):371-81. doi: 10.1177/104990910302000511.
The explosion of technological and biomedical interventions over the past half century appears to have enhanced the medical profession's ability to prolong life at a faster pace than society's ability to develop comprehensive bioethical laws governing end-of-life decisions. This study was conducted to determine if there was a correlation between educational and occupational backgrounds and participants' perceptions of end-of-life care. Study participants came from various areas and levels of healthcare at a large federal healthcare facility and included nurses, doctors, pharmacists, dietitians, administrators, and others. Participants completed a questionnaire providing both sociodemographic information and perceptions of end-of-life care. Respondents were classified by type of education or background (technical, professional, or medical) and by level of involvement with patient care (direct or indirect). While the results showed a general consensus about the importance of respecting patients' end-of-life wishes, there were differences among respondents in regard to specific issues.
