Public attitudes to emergency care treatment plans: a population survey of Great Britain

Abstract

Objectives To measure community attitudes to emergency care and treatment plans (ECTPs).Design Population survey.Setting Great Britain.Participants As part of the British Social Attitudes Survey, sent to randomly selected addresses in Great Britain, 1135 adults completed a module on ECTPs. The sample was nationally representative in terms of age and location, 619 (55%) were female and 1005 (89%) were of white origin.Outcome measures People’s attitudes having an ECTP for themselves now, and in the future; how comfortable they might be having a discussion about an ECTP and how they thought such a plan might impact on their future care.Results Predominantly, respondents were in favour of people being able to have an ECTP, with 908/1135 (80%) being at least somewhat in favour. People in good health were less likely than those with activity-limiting chronic disease to want a plan at present (52% vs 64%, OR 1.78 (95% CI 1.30 to 2.45) p<0.001). Developing a long-term condition or becoming disabled would lead 42% (467/1112) and 43% (481/1112) of individuals, respectively, to want an ECTP. More, 634/1112 (57%) would want an ECTP if they developed a life-threatening condition. Predominantly, 938/1135 (83%) respondents agreed that an ECTP would help avoid their family needing to make difficult decisions on their behalf, and 939/1135 (83%) that it would ensure doctors and nurses knew their wishes. Nevertheless, a small majority—628/1135 (55%)—agreed that there was a serious risk of the plan being out of date when needed. A substantial minority—330/1135 (29%)—agreed that an ECTP might result in them not receiving life-saving treatment.Conclusions There is general support for the use of ECTPs by people of all ages. Nevertheless, many respondents felt these might be out of date when needed and prevent people receiving life-saving treatment.