Korean Nurses' Attitude towards Advance Directives and End of Life Decision Making

생의 말기치료 결정과 사전의사결정에 대한 간호사의 태도조사

Purpose: The aim of this study is to carry out research on nurses regarding end of life decision and advance directives (ADs) and their attitude, experience and confidence towards them in order to define the role of nurses. Methods: In this research, questionnaire was distributed and data were collected and analyzed after receiving a written consent from 332 nurses. The survey was conducted from the $14^{th}$ to $30^{th}$ of September, 2009. The instrument used for conducting the study was revised version of KAESAD (The Knowledge, Attitudinal, Experiential Survey on Advance Directives). Results: We have come to a conclusion that nurses have positive attitude towards ADs. However, they hardly had any experience regarding them which leads to low confidence in assisting preparing ADs. Also, attitude towards ADs had no correlation with experience and confidence. Conclusion: In order to bring about the confidence level from positive attitude that nurses have, there needs to be a systematic change in nursing education. For that, it requires an education system that emphasizes the role of nurses which incorporates Korean culture and characteristics regarding death issue.