What role do advance directives serve for patients?

Advance directives serve a crucial role in ensuring that a patient's preferences regarding medical treatment are understood and respected. They are legal documents that allow individuals to outline specific wishes regarding their healthcare in the event that they become unable to communicate those decisions themselves. This includes instructions about life-sustaining treatments, preferences for end-of-life care, and designating a person to make decisions on their behalf.

By having advance directives in place, patients can provide clarity to their healthcare providers and loved ones about their values and choices, which helps guide medical decisions in accordance with their wishes. This can alleviate the burden on family members and healthcare providers who may otherwise have to make difficult choices without knowing the patient's intentions. Thus, advance directives play a vital role in patient autonomy and informed decision-making within healthcare settings.