Impediments to Signing Advance Directives in Nursing Home Residents

Abstract

Although public opinion in Taiwan has shifted to favoring self-determination regarding end-of-life care, many nursing home residents still entrust their end-of-life care decision making to family members. This study examined Chinese cultural impediments to nursing home residents signing advance directives. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using content analysis. In total, 18 nursing home residents participated in face-to-face interviews. Five main themes were identified: (1) bad omens, (2) inability, (3) traditional culture, (4) uncertainty, and (5) unmet needs. The death taboo that is a prominent feature of Chinese culture and the delivery of generic information are primary impediments. Therefore, health care providers should provide tailored information about advance directives, communicate directly with residents, ensure that residents understand the relationship between signing an advance directive and having a good death, and respect the final decisions of residents.