UKE Study Highlights Relatives’ Uncertainty in Conveying Patients’ Wishes
Hamburg, April 8, 2026 – A new study conducted by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and published in the German Medical Journal (Deutsches Ärzteblatt) indicates that only a good third of relatives are confident in accurately representing the treatment wishes of patients in intensive care. This finding underscores a significant challenge for medical professionals, particularly when patients are unable to communicate their preferences themselves.
The Challenge of Patient Autonomy in Intensive Care
The study focused on patients at UKE with a risk of future intensive care dependency and their relatives. Both groups were separately interviewed about their wishes regarding therapy options. The results highlight a critical gap in communication and preparedness for end-of-life or critical illness scenarios.
Professor Stefan Kluge, head of intensive care medicine at UKE and lead author of the study, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “We see that one-fifth of relatives cannot convey the patient’s wishes,” Kluge stated in an interview with NDR. This lack of clarity is a major obstacle for doctors, as conventional living wills often do not provide sufficient provisions for complex situations.
Communication Gaps and the Need for Proactive Planning
Approximately half of the surveyed patients and their relatives consistently reported having discussed treatment wishes. However, this communication does not always translate into confidence on the part of the relatives. The study reveals that despite discussions, a significant portion of relatives still feels uncertain about accurately reflecting the patient’s true intentions.
Kluge strongly advises individuals to clarify these questions in advance. “I would recommend everyone over the age of 18 to fill out a power of attorney for health care,” he urged. Without such a document, only spouses are generally legally authorized to make medical decisions for a relative. “Life partners, sons, daughters, fathers – they have no decision-making authority and only very limited rights to information,” Kluge explained.
Power of Attorney for Health Care: Ensuring Legal Representation in Emergencies
A power of attorney for health care (Vorsorgevollmacht) designates a person to act and make decisions on behalf of an individual who is suddenly no longer able to do so. This legal document is crucial for ensuring that a patient’s wishes are respected, even when they cannot express them directly.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of proactive planning and open communication between patients and their families about end-of-life care and treatment preferences. This not only eases the burden on relatives but also provides clear guidance for medical teams, ensuring that patient autonomy is upheld during critical times.
The UKE study highlights a societal need for greater awareness and education regarding the importance of advance care planning documents like the power of attorney for health care. By addressing these issues proactively, individuals can ensure their wishes are honored, and their loved ones are spared the difficult burden of making uncertain decisions during emotionally challenging times.
Source: University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), German Medical Journal (Deutsches Ärzteblatt), NDR
