Advance directives in family practice

Abstract

Advance directives have emerged in medicine as an important method by which patients can express future treatment wishes. The major reasons medical professionals have been reluctant to use advance directives are not because of theoretical defects with advance directives, but because of procedural difficulties. Confusion over types of advance directives and their legal status will ease with increased knowledge of advance directives by health professionals. Additionally, that they are often formulated in ambiguous terms and under situations where the patient's competence is in question can be minimized. More widespread and effective use of advance directives will occur if the family physician takes an active role in identifying patients for whom an advance directive would be desirable, effectively communicating information about advance directives, advising their patients about the most effective way to state their directive in medically precise terminology, and explaining when necessary the patient's wishes to other medical specialists and family members.