Advance care directive preferences in women veterans: A snapshot
APA Citation:
West, S. K., Peek, B., Al-Achi, A., & LeCompte, D. (2022). Advance care directive preferences in women veterans: A snapshot. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228221130115
Focus:
Veterans
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Methodology:
Quantitative Study
Authors:
West, Sharon K., Peek, Brian, Al-Achi, Antoine, LeCompte, Doreen
Abstract:
Prior research characterizes mainly male veteran preferences at end of life using the Veterans Administration Advance Directive (VA AD), there has been no specific studies focusing on women veteran?s preferences concerning whether the AD is to be strictly (S) followed or to serve as a general guide (G). The purpose of this study was to describe women veteran preferences for life-sustaining treatments (LSTs) in various illness situations to assist providers in discussing end-of-life decisions. Additionally, we compared previously published LST preferences of male veterans with the study?s sample. Using a descriptive retrospective approach, data was collected from 484 women veterans ADs between January 2010 and December 2019. Findings revealed that women tended to trend in the same direction as men, preferring to have advance directives serve as general guidance over being strictly followed. Unconscious/Coma/Vegetative was the only factor that was statistically significant for affecting the choice of following the AD.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
SAGE
Publication Type:
Article
Author Affiliation:
Western North Carolina VA Health Care System, SKW
Western North Carolina VA Health Care System, BP
College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Campbell University, AA
Western North Carolina VA Health Care System, DL
Keywords:
advance care planning, women veterans