title: Advance directives and advocacy in end-of-life decisions.
abstract: This article examines the issue of advocacy for all adults in end-of-life decisions to help enhance the role of health care providers as partners in decision making. The ethical issues of death and dying are of particular concern for the elderly. Conflicts may prevent providers and nurses from creating a good dying experience for patients and family. Among the many issues associated with end-of-life decision making are futility, autonomy, and quality of life, a "good death," advance directives, family distress, and the culture of medicine. To overcome related barriers, involved health care providers can promote advocacy by offering choices in end-of-life care and providing an environment of listening and communication. Initiating and maintaining dialogue on this difficult subject will provide better care to patients and families.
authors.affiliation: HealthPartners, Spring Lake Park, Minn., USA.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Basile
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016223:Advance Directives; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D018447:Medical Futility; D008875:Middle Aged; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012297:Right to Die; D013664:Teaching Materials; D014481:United States