Advance Directive Completion Rate Increases 500%

Last month, I blogged how Gallup measured an uptick in advance directive completion rates. This month, a study from the University of Pennsylvania measured an even larger increase (almost 500%).

Researchers examined how many people completed advance directives each month on OurCareWishes, a free website that guides patients through advance care planning. 

Before COVID-19
The website had a median of 26 users monthly from Jan. 1, 2019 to Jan. 31, 2020. 

After COVID-19
Between February 1 and April 30, the site had a median of 133 monthly users. That is 4.9 times more than the pre-COVID-19 period. Patients also filled out advance directives more comprehensively.