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Advance Care Directives Explained

CPDTime.
10m of CPD
An advance care directive is a critical form of documentation that communicates the patient’s instructions and wishes in such a situation, taking the burden of decision-making off loved ones. In the case of sudden deterioration, it’s essential to know where a patient’s advance care directive can be found and understand how it works.

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An advance care directive is a legally binding document that outlines a patient’s directions and/or preferences in regards to medical treatment. It is used in the event of incapacitation where the patient does not have the decision-making capacity to communicate their wishes.

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Ausmed
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Ausmed’s editorial team is committed to providing high-quality, well-researched and reputable education to our users, free of any commercial bias or conflict of interest. All education produced by Ausmed is developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and undergoes a regular rigorous review process to ensure the relevancy of all healthcare information and updates to changes in practice. If you have identified an issue with the education offered by Ausmed or wish to submit feedback to Ausmed's editorial team, please email ausmed@ausmed.com.au with your concerns.
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What do others think?

407 reviews by Ausmed Learners
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EC
Emma Caire
02 Jun 2020
Great explanation, easy to digest
TM
Tendayi Mhike
31 May 2023
Registered Nurse
Very insightful
H
Helen
25 Apr 2021
I thought this resource gave a good general review and listed the various resources to follow up on.
MG
Maria GALINATO
03 Jun 2023
Registered Nurse
very informative.
PH
Peter Hudson
31 May 2023
Registered Nurse
concise summary of the topic
Portrait of Deanne Rose Semon
Deanne Semon
27 Apr 2021
Very informative.
RE
Richard Evetts
04 Jun 2020
A description of advanced care directives that may be useful.
BH
bernie harbrow
12 Aug 2020
clear and informative.
AT
Adi Tabaiwalu
15 Aug 2021
Shorta and easy to understand
CS
Catherine Silva
01 Jun 2020
Very interesting and important in my setting at the GP surgery.
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