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Involvement of the Dutch general population in advance care planning: a cross-sectional survey.

Raijmakers, N.J.H., Rietjens, J.A.C., Kouwenhoven, P.S.C., Vezzoni, C., Thiel, G.J.M.W. van, Delden, J.J.M. van, Heide, A. van der. Involvement of the Dutch general population in advance care planning: a cross-sectional survey. Journal of Palliative Medicine: 2013, 16(9), p. 1055-1061.
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Background and Objective: Advance care planning (ACP) is a process of communication among patients, health care providers, and relatives regarding end-of-life care. The aim of our study was to determine if a representative sample of the Dutch general public is currently involved or is inclined to be engaged in ACP, and to delineate the factors associated with greater engagement. Methods: An online questionnaire was completed by a representative sample of the Dutch general public, derived from an established Internet panel (CentERdata, University of Tilburg, the Netherlands). Results and Conclusions: Although the majority of the Dutch population seems open to discussions about end-of-life care, our study revealed that discussions with physicians are exceedingly rare. To improve ACP as a joint process among patients, relatives, and physicians, the general public's awareness of the importance of end-of-life discussions with their physicians needs to be increased and physicians need to play a more active role by initiating conversations and dialogue regarding end-of-life care. (aut. ref.)