End-of-life communication in Korean older adults: With focus on advance care planning and XXXX .

@entity1 @entity1442 @entity204
UNASSIGNED: The present article aimed to provide a comprehensive review of current status of end-of-life (EOL) care and sociocultural considerations in Korea, with focus on the EOL communication and use of @entity1442 ( @entity1442 ) in elderly Koreans. Through literature review, we discuss the current status of EOL care and sociocultural considerations in Korea, and provide a look-ahead. In Korea, @entity1 often receive life-sustaining treatment until the very end of life. Advance care planning is rare, and most do-not-resuscitate decisions are made between the family and physician at the very end of @entity1 's life. Koreans, influenced mainly by Confucian tradition, prefer a @entity204 and discontinuation of life-sustaining treatment. Although Koreans generally believe that @entity204 is natural and unavoidable, they tend not to think about or discuss @entity204 , and regard preparation for @entity204 as unnecessary. As a result, @entity1442 are completed by just 4.7% of the general adult population. This situation can be explained by several sociocultural characteristics including opting for @entity204 , wish not to burden others, preference for family involvement and trust in doctor, avoidance of talking about @entity204 , and filial piety. @entity1 often receive life-sustaining treatment until the very EOL, advance care planning and the use of @entity1442 is not common in Korea. This was related to unique sociocultural characteristics of Korea. A more active role of physicians, development of a more deliberate EOL discussion process, development of culturally appropriate @entity1442 and promotion of advance care planning might be required to provide good EOL care in Korea. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 407-415.
