Innovations in End-of-Life Care
an international journal of leaders in end-of-life care

Interview script

I would like to ask you some questions regarding your views or thoughts about future medical treatment. I know that these questions make some people uneasy, but I want to assure you that we ask all patients these questions. We ask so we might understand and respect your values and beliefs.

Have you ever written down any of your thoughts or choices about future medical treatment, say in a power of attorney for health care, a living will, or some other type of advance directive? (You might need to explain what each of these names mean. See the definitions at the end of this section.)

Protocol

If a patient is too ill or confused at admission, we should ask the above questions later or ask the family if they can provide the answers to the questions.

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