A recent studies have shown that Korean-Americans are lacking awareness on an initiative that could better prepare for them for emergency situations.
Without such a preparation, patients whose illnesses do not allow them to make decisions for themselves could create confusion as the decision has to be made by the rest of their families.
The research was conducted by nonprofit organization Somang Society as 705 Korean-American respondents based in Los Angeles and Orange County was asked if they have filled out their advance healthcare directive.
When asked if they have filled out the directive, 529 (75 percent) of them responded that they have not submitted the form. That essentially means that seven of 10 Korean-Americans in Southern California do not have anything prepared for medical emergency.
The advance healthcare directive would include the patients’ preferences for emergency situations, such as bronchotomy, artificial alimentation or CPR.
Ironically, many Korean-Americans knew of the advance healthcare directive’s existence.
Of the respondents, 430 (61 percent) said that they are aware of the directive, while 479 (68 percent) answered that it is something they consider to be important.
“Culturally, Koreans consider ‘death’ as a heavy and uncomfortable topic, so many of them probably avoid filling out the form purposely,” Somang Society director Mi-hye Kim. “It’s not common for Koreans to discuss their death with their family members, even though the directive is designed to be used in emergency situations.”
Only 33 percent (233) of the respondents said that they have filled out the directive, while 17 percent answered that they will discuss the matter with their doctors.
Unlike the Korean-American community, the rest of the country has been open minded about the directive. About 54 percent of the Caucasians in California have already filled out their forms after discussing it with their family members, while the figure was 41 percent for African-Americans. For Asian-Americans, however, the rate only remained at 33 percent.
“I’ve seen families of patients who didn’t fill out their advance healthcare directive,” said cancer specialist Luis Choi. “Many of them who’ve lost their consciousness obviously cannot make decisions for themselves, but without the directive, the differing opinions within the household often lead to arguments. With a completed directive, the process can be streamlined easily.”
Documents related to the advance healthcare directive are prepared at every hospital in the country. The paperwork not only contains details on treatment, but also funerals, becoming a donor and more. The form is also available in Korean at Somang Society.
Meanwhile, those who wish to fill out the directive must be ▶18 or older ▶the person filling out the form must be able-bodied and fully conscious ▶two or more witnesses (also must be 18 or older, while at least one must be a non-family member).
By Yeol Jang
