Decisions on Life-Sustaining Treatments Among Taiwanese Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Duan-Rung, Hou Su-I, Young Yuchi
Primary Institution: National Taiwan University
Hypothesis
How do Taiwanese adults perceive the Patient Right to Autonomy Act and its impact on their decisions regarding life-sustaining treatments?
Conclusion
The study highlights that personal beliefs, gender, and legal perceptions significantly influence decisions about life-sustaining treatments.
Supporting Evidence
- Less than 2% of adults in Taiwan have signed Advance Directives since the implementation of the Patient Right to Autonomy Act.
- Over half of the participants declined life-sustaining treatments for themselves.
- Women were more likely to refuse life-sustaining treatments for themselves compared to men.
Takeaway
This study looked at how people in Taiwan decide whether to accept or refuse medical treatments that could keep them alive, especially when they are very sick.
Methodology
An online survey was conducted with 3,922 adults in Taiwan to assess their perceptions of the Patient Right to Autonomy Act and decisions regarding life-sustaining treatments.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from self-reported data and the specific demographic of survey respondents.
Limitations
The study may not fully represent the views of all Taiwanese adults as it relies on survey responses.
Participant Demographics
Participants included adults from Taiwan, with a notable portion familiar with the Patient Right to Autonomy Act.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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