Siu M W, Cheung T Y, Chiu M M, Kwok T Y, Choi W L, Lo T K, Ting W M, Yu P H, Cheung C Y, Wong J G, Shua S E
Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China.
East Asian Arch Psychiatry. 2010 Dec;20(4):155-62.
To explore the preparedness of medical students towards advance directives and related end-of-life issues, and to examine background factors such as knowledge, attitudes, and experience concerning advance directives and related end-of-life issues.
In 2007, 448 medical students in years 3 to 5 were surveyed at the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. Their knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of advance directives and related end-of-life issues, and their self-perceived preparedness to discuss these matters with patients were evaluated.
A total of 220 (49%) of the eligible students responded, of whom 79% supported the use of advance directives. Only 65 (30%) students were certain of what advance directives meant and 198 (90%) students felt that their knowledge of advance directives was inadequate. Also, 197 (90%) students felt unprepared about advance directives and end-of-life issues. Factors associated with positive attitude towards advance directives included religion and knowledge. No factors were found to be associated with self-perceived preparedness towards advance directives or end-of-life issues.
Most of the medical students surveyed demonstrated a positive attitude towards advance directives and recognised the importance of advance directives. However, they felt that they were unprepared and lacking in knowledge and experience of advance directives and end-of-life issues. Wider range and more depth of education is needed to better equip medical students for future practice.
