"End-of-Life" Care: West Virginia Views

I am not aware of any surveys conducted in Pennsylvania regarding "end-of-life" care.

However, in our sister state of West Virginia, since 1999, the West Virginia Center for End of Life Care has conducted a random survey of 1,000 West Virginia residents every two years regarding their attitudes toward "end of life" care options. These results may illuminate the views of a region, not just that state.

In March, 2006, the Center compiled the results of its 2006 Survey, and then released its summary.

Key findings are found online here:

• 39% of West Virginians have completed a living will, a medical power of attorney, or a combined form. This is the highest percentage in the nation. Most states report an average of 20-25% completion.

• DNR ("Do Not Resuscitate") awareness is continually increasing. In 1999, only 45% reported they were familiar with the DNR law. In 2006, 64% reported awareness.

• Two-thirds of West Virginians have talked to a family member or close friend regarding their end of life treatment desires, yet only 21% of West Virginians have discussed these desires with their doctor.

• 65% of West Virginians’ stated that friends or family who passed away within the last year received good or excellent care for their pain and suffering at the end of their life.

• Concern over dying in pain has dropped from 30% in 1999, to 19% in 2006.

• Overall rating of end of life care in West Virginia has increased from 46% who believed it to be good to excellent in 1999, to 61% in 2006.

The survey was conducted by RMS Strategies in Charleston, WV. The margin of error was +/- 3%.