Older Oklahomans' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to advance directives

Abstract

This study sought to document older Oklahomans' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding the decision to write an advance directive. In Oklahoma, 67% of individuals older than age 18 do not have an advance directive; 76% say the reason is that they "have not gotten around to it." The findings from this study also indicate that some groups in Oklahoma, because of their age and race, need nurses to initiate this conversation. The discussion about advance directives should be part of the health promotion teaching provided by nurses and presented to the general public as a normal part of health care, with the focus on planning for a comfortable and peaceful death.