Table 2 Reasons Given for Decision to Commence Antibiotics or Not. Responses by State % (n)
Reasons for commencing antibiotics (not following advance directive) | NSW % (n) | QLD % (n) | VIC % (n) |
|---|---|---|---|
I do not have to follow the advance directive because it is inconsistent with what is clinically indicated | 13 (31) | 14 (21) | 11 (21) |
The advance directive is relevant to my decision-making process but other factors are more relevant | 70 (164) | 70 (108) | 73 (124) |
The advance directive is not relevant to my decision-making because I don’t believe advance directives are appropriate to determining treatment | 2 (4) | 1(1) | 1 (1) |
The advance directive does not have legal effect | 3 (8) | 3(5) | 6 (12) |
Other | 10 (24) | 10 (17) | 8 (16) |
Total | 100 (231) | 100 (152) | 100 (192) |
Reasons for not commencing antibiotics (following advance directive) | NSW % (n) | QLD % (n) | VIC % (n) |
The most important consideration is following the patient’s wishes | 43 (40) | 33 (20) | 30 (34) |
The most important consideration is that the law requires me to follow the advance directive | 8 (7) | 10 (6) | 4 (5) |
Both of the above considerations are equally important | 48 (45) | 57 (34) | 64 (73) |
Other | 0 | 0 | 2 (2) |
Total | 100 (92) | 100 (60) | 100 (114) |