Are living wills useful? In search of a new paradigm

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Connecticut medicine

Abstract

Living wills are written by patients to direct physicians and loved ones as to the medical care they want in the event of catastrophic illness that is accompanied by inability to communicate their wishes. We outline recent data suggesting that living wills are poorly understood by patients who have them and that the usefulness of these documents in the clinical arena is extremely limited. Potential solutions for current deficiencies in end-of-life care and decision-making are discussed.

First Page

283

Last Page

90; discussion 291

Publication Date

5-1-2003

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