Exploring Five Wishes and End-of-Life Care Planning in Young Adults

Introduction: Our study aims to (1) examine the perspectives of young adults toward Five Wishes, and (2) measure their preferences related to personal, emotional, spiritual, and medical choices in end-of-life care planning. Methods: Data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire and Five Wishes. Participants include graduate students (n = 30) attending a university in New York State. Bivariate summary statistics were performed to address the study aims. Results: The average age of the participants was 24 years old; 60% were female, 60% White, and 27% Black. In the case of permanent and severe brain damage without the expectation to wake up or recover, 63% of the participants do not want life-support treatment. In the event of a coma without expectation to wake up or recover, 53% do not want life-support treatment. When close to death, 80% want to have religious or spiritual readings and well-loved - poems read aloud. Conclusion: Young adults are capable of making their own decisions about appointing a health care proxy and making choices for their personal, emotional, spiritual, and medical care for the future. The present findings intend to make contributions to the research pertaining to end-of-life care that promotes population-based healthcare decision-making, education, and awareness among young adults.