Advance directives: from the perspective of the patient and the physician.

American physicians and patients share some common ground in their perspectives on advance directives. The majority in both groups strongly endorse the use of these documents. Both groups believe it is the physician's responsibility to initiate the discussion about advance directives. However, a gap between the two perspectives can be defined. In end-of-life decision making, physicians balance the ethical principle of patient autonomy with other principles such as appropriate withholding of care in the setting of futility. Patients' preferences for end-of-life care are most influenced by expected outcomes. Physicians tend to be selective in their indications for initiating a discussion about advance directives, according to clinical factors. In contrast, most patients want to discuss advance directives with their physician under all circumstances.