During a 5-months study period 1021 internal medical ward patients were evaluated regarding their desired level of life-sustaining therapy. Factors influencing these preferences were identified, and the prevalence of advance directives was described.
Patients' preferences regarding life-sustaining medical care were dependent on age, sex, and chronic medical conditions. Older patients, women, and patients with chronic heart failure and malignancies were most likely to object to life-extending treatments. The prevalence of advance directives was 22.2%.
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During a 5-months study period 1021 internal medical ward patients were evaluated regarding their desired level of life-sustaining therapy. Factors influencing these preferences were identified, and the prevalence of advance directives was described.
Patients' preferences regarding life-sustaining medical care were dependent on age, sex, and chronic medical conditions. Older patients, women, and patients with chronic heart failure and malignancies were most likely to object to life-extending tr...
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