In the context of patient care, what is the primary focus of advance directives?

The primary focus of advance directives is to provide instructions for future medical decisions. Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to outline their preferences regarding medical treatment and interventions in the event that they become unable to communicate their wishes. This may include directives about life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation efforts, and preferred healthcare representatives.

By clarifying an individual's wishes in advance, these documents ensure that healthcare providers respect the patient’s preferences, regardless of the patient's ability to articulate them at the time treatment is needed. This ultimately promotes patient autonomy and allows for care that aligns with the patient's values and wishes.