Record health care directives before terminal illness!

Physicians share the grief and tension of families who must make decisions for incompetent, dying members. The author recorded the wishes of 1000 competent patients to guide families and the health care team during terminal illness. A questionnaire, which became part of the medical record, was used to determine views of organ donation, religious beliefs, and other directives. Patients were eager to record and discuss their wishes during an office or hospital visit; 94% of all patients wanted to participate in health care decisions. When directives for terminal care are available, families will not be forced to make blind crisis decisions for a dying member.