Recognition and expressed insight on advance directives by patients with cancer

<p dir="ltr"><b>Aims: </b>Advance Care Directives have recently achieved legal recognition in Ireland. Our study sought to determine awareness of and attitudes towards Advance Directives in a cohort of Oncology patients. <p dir="ltr"><b>Methods: </b>A short survey was completed by inpatients on an Oncology ward over a four week period. Patients were excluded in cases of cognitive impairment, short prognosis and severe anxiety. <p dir="ltr"><b>Results: </b>30 inpatients completed the survey, out of 125 total inpatients during the study period. No patient included had an Advance Directive or were aware of the legislation; 17% (n=5 patients) were aware of their existence. 87% (n=26) of patients stated they would consider making an ACD. <p dir="ltr"><b>Discussion: </b>Awareness of Advance Directives among this cohort of oncology patients is low, however most patients are willing to engage in a discussion about their treatment preferences.