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Qualitative
5 themes described the views of older people on advance care statements and their role in end of life care

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebn.8.2.64

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    Seymour J, Gott M, Bellamy G, et al. Planning for the end of life: the views of older people about advance care statements. Soc Sci Med 2004;59:57–68.OpenUrlCrossRefPubMedWeb of Science

    Q What are the views of older people on advance care statements and their role in end of life care and treatment decisions?

    DESIGN

    Qualitative study.

    SETTING

    Sheffield, UK.

    PARTICIPANTS

    32 older people (72% women; 27 were 60–80 years of age) who were recruited from 6 diverse community groups representing older people in Sheffield, UK.

    METHODS

    8 focus group discussions were held with participants to explore beliefs and understandings, risks and benefits, and preferences of older people regarding “life prolonging” and “basic care” technologies in end of life management. A slide show describing a man with early Alzheimer’s disease and his plans for end of life care was used to prompt discussion. The discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed for major themes.

    MAIN FINDINGS

    Advance statements can aid personal integrity and help families of older people. Although advance care statements were a new idea to most participants, they identified several positive attributes of such statements. Participants recognised that advance care statements have the potential to enhance …

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    Footnotes

    • For correspondence: Dr J E Seymour, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. j.e.seymoursheffield.ac.uk

    • Source of funding: Economic and Social Research Council.