Purpose: The aim of the study was to describe the knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy of healthcare workers working in respiratory care wards regarding advance directives (ADs). It sought to identify factors surrounding health care workers working in respiratory care wards implementation of ADs and their educational needs.
Research method: A survey using a self-developed questionnaire was carried out in hospitals with respiratory care wards at Taichung City. After a total of 340 copies distributed and 316 valid questionnaires were acquired (effective recovery rate of 96.9%). SPSS22.0 was used to analysis the data. The main statistical methods included Descriptive Analysis, Independent Sample t-Test, One-way ANOVA Analysis, Pearson’s Correlation Analysis, and Multiple Regression.
Findings: The findings were that healthcare workers reflected a lack of knowledge and confidence concerning laws and general information about ADs. Healthcare workers had very low rates of ADs completion (15.3%), but 74.7% subjects were intent to sign it. Significant correlation was found between knowledge and attitudes, but not between knowledge and self-efficacy.
Conclusion: Implementation of ADs is now widely promoted by policy makers. Healthcare workers working in respiratory care wards are centrally involved with patients with palliative care needs who may wish to set on record their views about future care. This study reveals some important areas for practice and educational development to enhance healthcare workers use and understanding of ADs.
