END-OF-LIFE MEDICAL TREATMENT PREFERENCE DISCUSSIONS AND SURROGATE DECISION-MAKER APPOINTMENTS: EVIDENCE FROM ITALY, SPAIN, BELGIUM AND THE NETHERLANDS

Background Making treatment decisions in anticipation of possible future incapacity is an important part of patient participation in end-of-life decision-making. Aim To compare the prevalence of GP-patient end-of-life treatment discussions and patient surrogate appointments in Italy, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands and examine associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional, retrospective survey was conducted with representative GP networks in four countries. GPs recorded the health and care characteristics in the last 3 months of life of patients who died non-suddenly. Prevalences were estim... Mehr ...