6 - End of Life Care Flashcards
what is advanced care planning?
structured discussion with pts and families about wishes and thoughts for future
why is advanced care planning so important?
- reduces anxiety
- avoids conflicts
- improves communication
- improved self care
- promotes autonomy
- avoids unplanned admissions
what are some dificulties with avanced care plannign?
- resources - time
- logistics - meeting relatives
- emotional conversation
- capacity
- delegated decisions to doctors
- best interests
what are 3 legal documents that enable autonomy at the end of life?
- advanced decision to refuse treatment
- advanced statement
- LPA
what is an advanced decision (to refuse treatment)?
- a decision you can make now to refuse a specific type of treatment in the future
- legally binding if valid
what are some common ADRT?
- DNACPR form
- blood transfusions/transplants
- hospital admissions
- ITY, ventilators, NG tubes - ‘extreme measures’
what happens if you act contrary to a valid ADRT?
can be classed as assault
what makes an ADRT valid?
- aged 18 or over with capacity
- specifies clearly which treatments will be refused
- explained circumstances in which you wish to refuse them
- signed by you and a witness for refusal of life-sustaining treatment
- made without harrassment
- no contradictions since AD was made
what is an advanced statement?
written statement that sets down preferences, wishes, beliefs and values regarding future care
what is the aim of an advanced statement?
- provide guidance to ppl making best interest decisions
- not legally binding
what is an LPA?
legally appointed person who makes decisions regarding finance and health when capacity is lost
what are the two types of LPA?
financial
health and care
