The Effect of Discussions About Advance Directives on Patients' Satisfaction with Primary Care

Tierney, W. M., Dexter, P. R., Gramelspacher, G. P., Perkins, A. J., Zhou, X.-H., & Wolinsky, F. D. (2001). The Effect of Discussions About Advance Directives on Patients’ Satisfaction with Primary Care. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(1), 32–40. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2001.00215.x

Elderly patients with chronic illnesses were more satisfied with their primary care physicians and outpatient visits when advanced directives were discussed. The improvement in visit satisfaction was substantial and persistent. This should encourage physicians to initiate such discussions to overcome communication barriers might result in reduced patient satisfaction levels. More