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Advanced care directives
Definition:
Advanced care directives are specific instructions, prepared in advance, that are intended to direct a person's medical care if he or she becomes unable to do so in the future. Alternative Names:
Power of attorney; DNR; Do not resuscitate; Living will Text Continues Below
Information:
Advanced care directives allow patients to make their own decisions regarding the care they would prefer to receive if they develop a terminal illness or a life-threatening injury. Advanced care directives can also designate someone the patient trusts to make decisions about medical care, if the patient becomes unable to make (or communicate) these decisions. Federal law requires hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions that receive Medicare or Medicaid funds to provide written information regarding advanced care directives to all patients upon admission. Advanced care directives can reduce: - Personal worry
- Futile, costly, specialized interventions that a patient may not want
- Overall health care costs
- Feelings of helplessness and guilt for family
- Legal concerns for everyone involved
However, advanced care directives cannot predict what situations may arise in the future or what new modes of care may be available for situations considered nearly hopeless today. EXAMPLES OF ADVANCE DIRECTIVES Verbal instructions. These are any decisions regarding care that are communicated verbally by an individual to health care providers and family members. Organ donation. This may be accomplished by completing an organ donation card and carrying it in your wallet. A second card may be placed with important papers (such as a living will, insurance papers, and so on). Most hospitals or other major health care centers have organ donor information available.
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