Advance directives in the perspective of the elderly population

Advance directives

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the knowledge and acceptance of the elderly person regarding the elaboration of the Advance Directives, their preference in relation to the filling models and the choice of the representative who will replace them in the decision-making process. Methodology: Cross-sectional study carried out by providing participants with two models  of Advance Directives were made available to the participants for completion and applied a questionnaire on knowledge, acceptance, and evaluation of the device. Results: There were 85.63% of the participants who were unaware of the Advance Directives, 98.13% who were unaware of document models, 100% who considered model 1, more complete, to be good or acceptable, and 66.88% who indicated a son as its representative. When asked about the importance of preparing, making available to the population, and passing a law that regulates this right, the participants were assertive respectively by 91.88%, 91.25% and 91.25%. Conclusion: Although lack of knowledge was general among the participants, after clarification there was a high rate of evaluation and acceptance of the Advance Directives, as well as a recommendation for their legalization and availability to the population as a device that contributes to the guarantee of autonomy and human dignity, especially during the end-of-life health care.