The limitations of advance directives and statements in mental health.
OBJECTIVE
Advance directives and statements in mental health are defined and the necessary conditions for making them explained. The practical limitations on their usefulness are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Legal recognition of advance directives and statements is limited. There has been little research into their use and impact on care and what little exists, is equivocal in results.
Hobbs
Paul
P
NHS Tayside, Scotland, UK. paul.hobbs@nhs.net
D016223:Advance Directives / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D001315:Australia; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*