What should be included in discussions about Advance Directives?

The inclusion of the individual's values and wishes regarding healthcare in discussions about Advance Directives is crucial because Advance Directives are fundamentally about ensuring that a person's preferences for medical treatment are honored, especially in situations where they might not be able to communicate those preferences themselves. This means delving into what the individual believes is important in their care, such as their attitudes toward life-sustaining treatments, their goals for quality of life, and their specific healthcare preferences in various scenarios.

Advance Directives serve as a way for individuals to express their autonomy and ensure that their voices are heard when it matters most. This can encompass a broad range of topics, from preferences about aggressive treatment options to palliative care choices, reflecting the person's values and beliefs. By considering these personal elements, caregivers and healthcare providers can better respect and follow the wishes of the individual in their care.

Including purely legal terminology, discussions about inheritance, or financial planning details does not address the core purpose of Advance Directives, which is to prioritize and articulate patient-centered care based on individual values and wishes. These other topics may be important in their own right but do not serve the primary function of facilitating respect for patient autonomy in healthcare decisions.