Advance Directives in the Professional Practice of Portuguese Social Workers in Social Facilities for Older Adults

Abstract

This database presents the results of the study titled "Advance Directives in the Professional Practice of Portuguese Social Workers in Social Facilities for Older Adults." Given the increasing dependence of older adults on social services and the legal framework established by Law No. 25/2012 regarding Advance Directives (AD), it is crucial to understand professionals' knowledge and practices in this area to safeguard autonomy, dignity, and self-determination, as well as to strategically adapt training to the needs of social workers. The findings of this study contribute to discussions on the role of social workers in facilitating AD, highlighting gaps in professional training and the need for clearer institutional policies. Although social workers recognize the importance of AD, a significant proportion lacks formal training and practical experience in guiding older adults through the decision-making process. This reality underscores the need for specialized education programs and multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure that AD are effectively integrated into social work practice. The database includes demographic information and scores related to professionals' knowledge and practices in this field. Researchers and professionals interested in accessing the data should complete the request form and send it to [email protected] for review