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Article
Knowledge, attitudes and predictors of advance directive discussions of registered nurses
Western Journal of Nursing Research (2004)
  • Amy R Lipson, Case Western Reserve University
  • Alice J Hausman, Temple University
  • Patricia A Higgins, Case Western Reserve University
  • Christopher J Burant, Case Western Reserve University
Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and experiences regarding advance directives. A secondary purpose was to examine predictors of advance directive discussions between nurses and patients. Seven-hundred and nineteen respondents, randomly selected from a list of registered nurses in the state of Ohio, completed mailed questionnaires. Descriptive t test, chi-square, and logistic regression statistics were used in the data analyses. The respondents were knowledgeable and possessed positive attitudes about advance directives. Higher self-perceived confidence in advance directive discussion skills and the experience of caring for at least one patient with a current advance directive were found to be significant predictors of advance directive discussions. These findings suggest that experience with advance directives documents is critical for nurses’ comfort and that developing interventions to further nurses’ confidence in their discussion skills may increase advance directive discussions.

Keywords
  • advance directives,
  • registered nurses
Publication Date
November, 2004
Citation Information
Amy R Lipson, Alice J Hausman, Patricia A Higgins and Christopher J Burant. "Knowledge, attitudes and predictors of advance directive discussions of registered nurses" Western Journal of Nursing Research Vol. 26 Iss. 7 (2004)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/patricia_higgins/15/