Table 2

"Should/should not" awareness and what is actually done answers toward the Cases (n = 304)


Should/should not" awareness of treatment options (%)

Should be done (withdrawn)
Should not be done (not withdrawn)
Judgment is not possible




What is actually being done (%)

Usually, initiate
Usually, withhold
Cannot say one more than the other
Have not encountered

Case1
55
15
30

(Initiation of tube feeding)
70
11
14
5
Case2
18
54
28

(Attachment of respirator)
18
59
19
4
Case3
16
53
31

(Withdrawal of tube feeding)
11
53
16
20

Bito and Asai BMC Medical Ethics 2007 8:7   doi:10.1186/1472-6939-8-7