Ko Eunjeong, Berkman Cathy S
School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182-4119, USA.
J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care. 2010;6(3-4):164-84. doi: 10.1080/15524256.2010.529019.
Three focus groups (n = 23) with Korean American older adults explored the role of culture in end-of-life decision making. No participants had completed an advance directive and few had discussed end-of-life treatment preferences. Focus group themes addressed: (a) whether children are resistant or receptive to discussing their parents' end-of-life treatment preferences; (b) whether the older adults or their children should make decisions about end-of-life treatment; (c) whether decision making should be the responsibility of the eldest son or of all the children; and (d) whether children would implement the parent's preferences for end-of-life treatment. Understanding the role of children in end-of-life decision making among Korean American older adults is important for culturally competent care.
