When to obtain an advance directive

 The best time is often during a routine outpatient visit: 

o Allows time for deliberation in a low-pressure situation

o Approximately 70% of older Americans complete ADs prior to their death.

 Physicians should start discussions with patients regarding ADs as early as possible, while a
patient is healthy and competent.

 Advance directives should be obtained/updated:

o On hospital admission

o Prior to surgery

o On diagnosis with:

 A terminal illness 

 A disease associated with dementia

 Desires regarding life-sustaining treatments are not always stable over time and may change.
Therefore, ADs should be revisited and updated periodically.

When to obtain an advance directive

 The best time is often during a routine outpatient visit: 

o Allows time for deliberation in a low-pressure situation

o Approximately 70% of older Americans complete ADs prior to their death.

 Physicians should start discussions with patients regarding ADs as early as possible, while a
patient is healthy and competent.

 Advance directives should be obtained/updated:

o On hospital admission

o Prior to surgery

o On diagnosis with:

 A terminal illness 

 A disease associated with dementia

  Desires regarding life-sustaining treatments are not always stable over time and may change.
Therefore, ADs should be revisited and updated periodically.

When to obtain an advance directive

 The best time is often during a routine outpatient visit: 

o Allows time for deliberation in a low-pressure situation

o Approximately 70% of older Americans complete ADs prior to their death.

 Physicians should start discussions with patients regarding ADs as early as possible, while a
patient is healthy and competent.

 Advance directives should be obtained/updated:

o On hospital admission

o Prior to surgery

o On diagnosis with:

 A terminal illness 

 A disease associated with dementia

 Desires regarding life-sustaining treatments are not always stable over time and may change.
Therefore, ADs should be revisited and updated periodically.