Journal Assignment: Advanced Directives
An advanced directive is a legal document that allows you to spell out your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. It helps ensure that your wishes regarding medical treatment are followed if you are unable to communicate them yourself due to serious illness or incapacity.
Some key elements that can be included in an advanced directive are:
Instructions about types of medical treatments you would or would not want, such as resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, etc.
Appointment of a health care proxy or agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot
Donation of organs/tissues upon death
Instructions about pain management
Writing Prompt
In a well-organized journal entry of 500-700 words, reflect on your personal views regarding advanced directives. Some questions to consider:
Do you feel it is important to have an advanced directive in place? Why or why not?
What factors would influence the medical treatments you would want or not want?
How do your personal values, beliefs or life experiences shape your perspective on this topic?
At what age or life stage do you think it becomes advisable to put an advanced directive in place?
What potential ethical dilemmas or challenges do you see with honoring a person’s advanced directive?
Be sure to substantiate your opinions and viewpoints with clear reasoning and examples. This journal provides an opportunity to deeply explore this important topic before potentially putting an advanced directive in place yourself.
