The role of Advance Directives and Living Wills in Anesthesia Practice

Anesthesiol Clin. 2024 Sep;42(3):377-392. doi: 10.1016/j.anclin.2024.02.001. Epub 2024 Mar 12.

Abstract

Preoperative review of existing advance directives and a discussion of patient goals should be routinely done to address any potential limitations on resuscitative therapies during perioperative care. Both surgeons and anesthesiologists should be collaboratively involved in these discussions, and all perioperative physicians should receive training in shared decision making and goals of care discussions. These discussions should center around patient preferences for limitations on life-sustaining medical therapy, which should be accurately documented and adhered to during the perioperative period. Patients should be informed that limitations of life-sustaining medical therapy may increase their risk of postoperative mortality.

Keywords: Advance care planning; End-of-life; Patient-centered care; Shared decision-making.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Advance Directives*
  • Anesthesia* / methods
  • Anesthesiology
  • Humans
  • Living Wills*
  • Perioperative Care / methods