[Choice of treatment among residents of nursing homes in case of life-threatening disease].
The aim of the present study was to examine the degree of medical treatment wanted by nursing home residents, their relatives, and staff members in case the resident develops a serious and life-threatening disease, and to analyse the degree of agreement between the wishes of these parties. The study population consisted of 101 competent and 106 incompetent residents from 16 nursing homes. In addition, 142 relatives and 207 staff members were interviewed. A hypothetical disease story was presented to residents, relatives, and staff members, and their choices classified in four defined groups according to degree of treatment. Direct comparisons for the individual resident showed the greatest degree of disagreement as to acceptance/refusal of referral to hospital between relatives of incompetent residents and staff members, in that the preference for curative treatment was significantly more frequent among the relatives. It would be profitable if the staff of nursing homes make an effort to discuss treatment preferences with the relatives of incompetent residents in case the resident develops a serious disease and to do so before an acute situation arises.