Exploring Five Wishes and End-of-Life Care Planning in Young Adults

Abstract

Introduction Our study aims to (1) examine the perspectives of young adults toward Five Wishes, and (2) measure their preferences related to personal, emotional, spiritual, and medical choices in end-of-life care planning. Methods Data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire and Five Wishes. Participants include graduate students (n = 30) attending a university in New York State. Bivariate summary statistics were performed to address the study aims. Results The average age of the participants was 24 years old; 60% were female, 60% White, and 27% Black. In the case of permanent and severe brain damage without the expectation to wake up or recover, 63% of the participants do not want life-support treatment. In the event of a coma without expectation to wake up or recover, 53% do not want life-support treatment. When close to death, 80% want to have religious or spiritual readings and well-loved - poems read aloud. Conclusion Young adults are capable of making their own decisions about appointing a health care proxy and making choices for their personal, emotional, spiritual, and medical care for the future. The present findings intend to make contributions to the research pertaining to end-of-life care that promotes population-based healthcare decision-making, education, and awareness among young adults.