Question

What are the elements of advance directives?

Answer 1

Advance directive includes the advance healthcare planning for oneself. It helps the patient to choose the medical care he wants in case the patient becomes ill and is not able to speak for himself and the doctors and other family members are taking decisions for him.

It has two elements :

1. A living will : it is a written legal document. It states how the patient wants to be treated in case of permanent unconsciousness or dying and cannot make decisions for himself. It tells yhe doctor want medical procedure the patient wants and what not. It tells about patients choice of treatment.

2. Power of attorney for healthcare : it is a legal written document containing the name of a person who could represent the patient and make decisions for him when he fails to do so. It contains the name of the healthcare proxy also called a representative, agent or surrogate who holds the right to take medical decisions for the patient in case of emergency or when the patient cannot speak for himself.