Tuyển tập các báo cáo nghiên cứu về y học được đăng trên tạp chí y học Critical Care giúp cho các bạn có thêm kiến thức về ngành y học đề tài: Advanced directives and treatment decisions in the intensive care unit. | Available online http content 11 4 150 Commentary Advanced directives and treatment decisions in the intensive care unit Leslie M Whetstine Philosophy and Bioethics Walsh University 2020 E. Maple Street NW North Canton OH 44720 USA Corresponding author Leslie M Whetstine Lwhetstine@ Published 26 July 2007 This article is online at http content 11 4 150 2007 BioMed Central Ltd Critical Care 2007 11 150 doi cc5971 See related review by Tillyard http content 11 4 219 Abstract Prospective medical decision-making through the use of advanced directives is encouraged and frequently helpful in guiding treatment for the critically ill. It is important to recognize the attendant shortcomings when using such tools in clinical practice. In this issue of Critical Care Tillyard 1 explores whether advanced directives are effective at guiding treatment decisions for incapacitated patients. Tillyard concludes that although advanced directives should ideally improve decisionmaking this frequently does not translate effectively at the bedside. Studies have shown that in themselves advanced directives are insufficient to withstand the complexities of end-of-life care 2 3 . To resolve this divide between theory and practice however it is helpful to refocus the issue. We ought not to be overly concerned with the execution and application of advanced directives but with the motivation behind them and the dialogue they engender over time 4 . In the United States advanced directives are used as a blanket term that can refer either to a living will or a durable power of attorney two distinct methods designed to safeguard autonomous choice. A living will is a written document that expresses a preference for or against specific types of treatment it typically becomes effective only when the patient is incompetent and either terminally ill or permanently unconscious. A durable power of attorney is a document that empowers an individual .
