The Perceptions and Needs of Hospice Palliative Care and Shared Decision Making among Middle-Aged Adults

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the level of understanding of hospice palliative care (HPC) and shared decision making (SDM) among middle-aged adults. Methods: Data were collected from 90 middle-aged adults living in D city using a self-reported questionnaire. The SPSS program was used to analyze the data. Results: Among the participants, 76.7% were aware of the HPC while 82.2% of the participants were not aware of SDM. Among all, 85.6% responded positively for needs of HPC, and 77.8% of participants for SDM. Participants with Christian faith (Protestants and Catholics), high income level and present illness were better aware of HPC than others. The most needed services were nursing care and treatment along with systematic counseling and explanation provided by the medical staff. There was also a significant relationship between the HPC factors, gender, income, current health status and current illness status. Participants with high income level were well aware of SDM. Stronger SDM needs were observed among participants with professional jobs or current illness. Conclusion: For continued discussion on HPC and SDM, it is necessary to implement and promote various education programs for medical staff and the public. 서 론 1. 연구의 필요성 우리나라 호스피스 완화의료 이용 현황은 2013년 12.7%로 2009년 9.1%보다 증가하였으며(1), 보건복지부 에서는 국내 호스피스 완화의료 병상 수를 점차 늘리 고, 건강보험 혜택도 지속적으로 확대할 계획이라고 밝 혔다(2). 또한 '호스피스 완화의료 및 임종 과정에 있는 환자의 연명의료 결정에 관한 법', 즉 '웰다잉(Well-Dying)법'이 최근 국회를 통과하였으며(3), 고통없는 임 종, 품위 있는 죽음에 관한 사회적 관심이 지속적으로