Living wills generally are written in ambiguous terms and demand interpretation by providers. Terms like “extraordinary means” and “unnaturally prolonging my life” need to be placed in context of the present patient’s values in order to be meaningfully understood. More recent forms of instructive directives have attempted to overcome this ambiguity by addressing specific interventions (e.g., blood transfusions or CPR) to be withheld. Either the proxy (agent , or surrogate) or a close family member often can help the care team reach an understanding about what the patient would have wanted.
Living wills generally are written in ambiguous terms and demand interpretation by providers. Terms like “extraordinary means” and “unnaturally prolonging my life” need to be placed in context of the present patient’s values in order to be meaningfully understood. More recent forms of instructive directives have attempted to overcome this ambiguity by addressing specific interventions (e.g., blood transfusions or CPR) to be withheld. Either the proxy (agent , or surrogate) or a close family member often can help the care team reach an understanding about what the patient would have wanted. Of course, physician-patient dialogue is the best guide for developing a personalized advance directive.
