Table 1 Rating of importance of each issue in thinking about the kinds of medical treatments wanted or not wanted near the end of life
Item: How important … | median(q1,q3) (n) | Unsure | Missing or declined % (n/N) |
|---|---|---|---|
I be comfortable and suffer as little as possible? | 10(9,10) (793) | 13% (100/793) | 2% (15/793) |
I have more time with my family? | 10(8,10) (785) | 13% (102/785) | 2% (15/785) |
I live as long as possible? | 8(5,10) (777) | 12% (97/777) | 2% (15/777) |
I avoid being attached to machines and tubes? | 9(7,10) (753) | 11% (83/753) | 2% (14/753) |
My death is not prolonged? | 10(8,10) (750) | 11% (81/750) | 2% (14/750) |
Belief that nature should be allowed to take its course? | 8(5,10) (760) | 12% (89/760) | 2% (14/760) |
Belief that life should be preserved? | 6(3,8) (736) | 11% (83/736) | 2% (13/736) |
I respect the wishes of other family members? | 7(4,10) (778) | 12% (97/778) | 2% (14/778) |
I avoid hospitalization? | 6(3,9) (762) | 12% (90/762) | 2% (13/762) |