Table 3.
Type of advanced directive and life-sustaining treatments addressed in the 396 advanced directives
| Characteristic | ADs, No. (%) |
|---|---|
| Type of AD | |
| Combined (living will and power of attorney) | 274 (69.2) |
| Living will | 31 (7.8) |
| POAHC | 32 (8.1) |
| Other | 59 (14.9) |
| POLST form | 12 (3.0) |
| NH/home care resuscitation forms | 38 (9.6) |
| Guardianship papers | 2 (0.5) |
| Anatomic bequests | 7 (1.8) |
| Life-sustaining treatment | |
| General | 316 (79.8) |
| Artificial nutrition or hydration | 136 (34.3) |
| CPR | 175 (44.2) |
| Mechanical ventilation | 147 (37.1) |
| Dialysis | 42 (10.6) |
| Dialysis management at EOL stage | 13 (3.0) |
| Pacemaker | 8 (2.0) |
| EOL treatment wishes | |
| Pain control | 172 (43.4) |
| Comfort measures | 176 (44.4) |
AD, advanced directive; POAHC, power of attorney for health care; POLST, physician order for life-sustaining treatment; NH, nursing home; CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation; EOL, end of life.