Advance directives and communication styles in a lower Rio Grande Valley health facility

Authors

Armando G. Dominguez, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

12-2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Dr. Elena Bastida

Second Advisor

Dr. Israel Cuellar

Third Advisor

Dr. Kelly F. Himmel

Abstract

This study explores physicians' decision-making communication styles at end-of-life and advance directives in a hospital. Participant observation, case studies and a survey questionnaire are used. Egalitarian communication style is found to have moderate reliability. A .6969 coefficient, is measured by Cronbach's Alpha model. Authoritative communication style, yields a less than moderate alpha coefficient of .4278. Regression analysis using these two variables as the independent variables obtains insignificant results. However, sixty-three percent of the respondents speak Spanish moderately or very little. Eighty percent of the surveyed sample do not have training to administer advance directives. Twenty-two percent of the respondents have staff trained to administer advance directives. Policy recommendations call for training in advance directives for medical doctors in this particular facility.

Comments

Copyright 2002 Armando G. Dominguez. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/advance-directives-communication-styles-lower-rio/docview/230989067/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American