As we age, it's important to start thinking about the type of end-of-life care we want to receive. Advance directives and palliative care are two key components of end-of-life planning that can help ensure our wishes are respected and we receive the care we need.
Advance directives are legal papers that specify a patient's care preferences and the type and extent of medical interventions they desire if they become unable to make decisions in the future. (Velasco-sanz, 2016). These documents typically include a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare, which designates someone to make medical decisions on their behalf.
Palliative care, on the other hand, is a holistic approach that emphasizes alleviating physical discomfort, enhancing overall well-being, and offering emotional and spiritual assistance to both the patient and their loved ones. According to Akdeniz, 2021, palliative care can be provided alongside other medical treatments and can be tailored to meet individual needs and preferences.
Combining advance directives and palliative care can provide a comprehensive approach to end-of-life care that respects the wishes of the individual and provides compassionate support for both the patient and their loved ones.
Here are some key ways advance directives and palliative care can work together:
Personalized Care Planning: Advance directives can help individuals communicate their end-of-life wishes and preferences to their healthcare team (Nogario, 2020). This can inform the development of a personalized palliative care plan that reflects the individual's values, beliefs, and goals.
Shared Decision-Making: Palliative care teams work closely with patients and their families to make decisions about their care. When advance directives are in place, healthcare providers can use them as a guide for making medical decisions that align with the patient's wishes.
Improved Quality of Life: Palliative care is focused on providing comfort and relief from symptoms, which can greatly improve the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Advance directives can ensure that patients receive care that aligns with their values and preferences, leading to a more positive end-of-life experience.
Family Involvement: Advance directives can designate a family member or loved one to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient. This can provide peace of mind for the patient and their family, knowing that their wishes will be respected and their loved ones will be involved in their care.
In conclusion, advance directives and palliative care can work together to provide a holistic approach to end-of-life care. By incorporating advance directives into the palliative care planning process, patients can receive care that aligns with their values and preferences, leading to a more positive end-of-life experience for both the patient and their loved ones.
Reference:
Akdeniz, M., Yardımcı, B., & Kavukcu, E. (2021). Ethical considerations in end-of-life care. SAGE Open Medicine, 9, 20503121211000918.
Nogario, A. C. D., Barlem, E. L. D., Tomaschewski-Barlem, J. G., Silveira, R. S. D., Cogo, S. B., & Carvalho, D. P. D. (2020). Advance directives of patients: the process of implementation by palliative care teams. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 73.
Panjwani, N. (2013). Advance directives: A policy required in Asian countries. i-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 3(3), 30.
Velasco-Sanz, T. R., & Rayón-Valpuesta, E. (2016). Advance directives in intensive care: health professional competencies. Medicina Intensiva (English Edition), 40(3), 154-162.
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