Knowledge and attitudes of critically ill patients and their families on advance directives and the decision making process at the end of life

Abstract Most patients admitted to intensive care units have alterations in their usual state of consciousness, with the family or relatives serving as substitutes. It is important to determine the knowledge, as well as the attitudes adopted by patients and their representatives as regards the decision-making process at the end of life. Objetives To determine and examine the knowledge and attitudes of critically ill patients and their families about advance directives and know how family involvement in decision making at the end of life. Method A review was conducted using 9 integrated databases with a combination DeCs and MeSH, limiting the search to 11 years. Relevant documents that dealt with knowledge and attitudes of critically ill patients and their families about advance directives and the decision-making process were selected. Critical reading was performed using CASPE lists. Results Twenty articles were selected, of which 8 were descriptive studies, 5 analytical, and 7 were studies performed using qualitative methodology. In these articles, it was found that both the knowledge and the rate of signing of advance directives (AD) are low, and that the decisions of the family is a stress factor that is alleviated by the existence of AD, as well as communication between health professionals and family. Conclusions AD are poorly understood by both patients and their relatives, although both showed interest in learning about this tool that can help in decision-making at the end of life. Health professionals also see the AD, along with good communication, as tools for decision making.