Purpose:

To explore healthcare decision making among older adults diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Significance:

Nurses are involved in assisting older adults make informed choices about their healthcare. Yet to date, healthcare decision making among older adults with amnestic MCI is understudied. This study will describe healthcare decision making among older adults diagnosed with amnestic MCI laying the foundation for the development of assessment strategies and interventions to support informed decision making among older adults who have amnestic MCI.

Background/Design:

A quantitative, cross-sectional, comparative design will be used.

Methods:

The sample will be comprised of 92 adults (65-80 years old) from a university of medical center. The MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool (MacCAT-T) and clinical and research databases will be the sources of data. Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential techniques.

Findings:

Findings will be available February 2007.

Conclusions:

Conclusions will be available February 2007.

Implications for Practice:

Implications will be available February 2007.