S

Situation

As we get closer to our expected surge of patients with COVID-19, our hospitals are diligently working to receive/complete and store Advance Healthcare Directives for their patients.

B

Background

Should a person be diagnosed with COVID-19 or any other health issues, it would be tragic if they had an Advance Healthcare Directive on file with their attorney but not with their healthcare provider.  If the Advance Healthcare Directive is not on file, healthcare providers are required to provide all possible medical treatment and to speak with the patient’s next of kin – who may or may not be their chosen healthcare agent, and may not know what the patient/client would actually want or find acceptable.  If the healthcare team doesn’t know who to call or what the patient/client wants, it adds stress to the family and additional pressure for the healthcare team.

A

Assessment

Occasionally, hospital patients/your clients struggle with understanding why the hospital would need a copy of their “will.” 

We believe that a reminder coming from the patient’s/client’s attorney to provide copies of  their Advance Healthcare Directive to their healthcare team and/or offering to send it to the client’s designated healthcare provider, could dramatically increase the number of Advance Healthcare Directives on file for patients. This would decrease family anxiety and healthcare provider tension during a health crisis.

R

Request/Recommendation

Please remind your clients to:

1. Review their Advance Healthcare Directive and make sure their directions are current. 
2. Send a copy of their Advance Healthcare Directive to the medical records department of their healthcare provider of choice. 
3. Discuss their wishes/directions with their family members to help ease emotional stress if/when any sudden event or illness occurs.

Thank you for your help in getting the word out on this crucial issue during these uncertain times.