Advance Decisions: issues of autonomy, identity and efficacy
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce Advance Decisions, address low uptake and examine fundamental issues that can inform the development of policy and practice in this area.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper discusses findings from a research project with the charity Compassion in Dying (analysing calls to its telephone helpline) and practical experience of working with the charity Advance Decisions Assistance (helping people write Advance Decisions and training healthcare professionals).
Findings
Older people themselves identify the issues of autonomy, identity and efficacy as key challenges in writing Advance Decisions and having them respected.
Originality/value
This paper shows how addressing the “real world” challenges of advance decision making can inform policy and practice.
Keywords
Citation
Wilkinson, S. (2017), "Advance Decisions: issues of autonomy, identity and efficacy", Working with Older People, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 4-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-12-2016-0040
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited