Decision Making to Refuse Medical Intervention in Living Will among Veteran Patients

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed at studying decision making to refuse medical intervention in living will directives among military veteran patients. The samples were 40 veteran in-patients in the Acute Stroke Unit in Veterans General Hospital. The research tools were observations and in-depth interviews. The results found that most veteran patients were Buddhist, between 51-60 years of age, held a Veterans Identification Card rank 4, and had paraplegia. The longest treatment for these patients lasted for over 20 years and their family relationships were affected. Most veteran patients separated from their wives due to their physical disability. From the assessment using the Barthel Activities of Daily Living Scale and observations, these veteran patients were able to perform daily routines on their own at a moderate level. They had near death experiences and witnessed deceased people or people with near death conditions before. Nonetheless, although every veteran patient still lacked knowledge in living will, they decided to refuse medical intervention in their living wills. The top two refused health services were resuscitation and intubation. It is recommended from the study that knowledge and understanding regarding refusal of medical intervention in living wills should be promoted, and related documents should be provided to veteran patients who desire to exercise their refusal rights.