Table 2 Agreement with phrases which might impede discussion of PDM
From: Physician-facilitated designation of proxy decision-makers: family physician perceptions
Fear of harm to patient | Discussing PDM has the potential to depress the patient | 39 (53 %) |
Discussing PDM can lead to medical deterioration | 13 (18 %) | |
Fear of relationship disruption | Discussing PDM could harm the doctor-patient relationship | 23 (31 %) |
Delegation of PDM can lead to familial disputes | 37 (50 %) | |
Sense of futility | Patients are not interested in discussing delegation of PDM | 28 (38 %) |
Patient do not have the capacity to appreciate the complexity of their medical condition and are not fit for discussing and deciding on this topic | 21 (28 %) | |
Patients might change their mind regarding EOL instruction, with time and given varying situations. | 69 (93 %) | |
Physician uneasiness | I do not feel comfortable to discuss the topic | 21 (28 %) |
I feel burdened by the topic | 46 (63 %) |