Knowledge of end-of-life law: A cross-sectional survey of general practitioners working in aged care

Objective To describe the knowledge of end-of-life law and experiences in practice at the end of life amongst Australian general practitioners (GPs). Methods A cross-sectional online survey of GPs practising in aged care settings in Queensland (QLD), New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC). Results From 521 potential GPs, 160 (response rate 30.7%) were included in the final sample. Most participants (62%) reported experience with six key end-of-life areas at least 'a few times', including 74% administering medication for pain and symptom relief, and 67% facilitating advance care planning 'several' or 'many times' and perceiving they had 'some' knowledge of end-of-life law (53%, n = 84). However, low-to-moderate actual levels of end-of-life legal knowledge were identified (mean correct response of 5.24 out of 9). Conclusion Australian GPs working in aged care may have low-to-moderate knowledge about end-of-life law despite frequently making end-of-life decisions in clinical practice.

Automated summary

The study found that Australian GPs working in aged care settings may have low-to-moderate knowledge about end-of-life law, despite frequently encountering end-of-life decisions in their clinical practice. Most participants reported some experience in key end-of-life areas, but actual levels of end-of-life legal knowledge were found to be lower than perceived.