PATIENT CHECKLIST
Before End-of-Life Discussions
During End-of-Life Discussions
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Start having discussions early in your prognosis.
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Understand that it is okay to be emotional during these discussions. End-of-life discussions are sensitive matters, but that's why it's so important to have them.
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Ask your physician to plan a discussion if they have not done so already.
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Sometimes it is a good idea to discuss with family members first before having a discussion with the physician so you have an understanding of your family's thoughts and opinions.
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Be informed! Watch videos to understand the terminology used in these discussions, such as legal medical forms, palliative care, and hospice.
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Understand that it's difficult to make a decision. Decisions can always be changed, even if it is recorded on a legal medical form. Make sure to make new forms whenever necessary.
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Think about who you trust in your family or close friends that would understand what choices or wishes you would have. This person may be used as your surrogate decision-maker should you lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself.
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Actively participate and make sure that you are given explanations so you understand what is being said.
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Specify your surrogate decision-maker in the event that you lose decision-making capacity.
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Clarify the legal medical forms that you need to fill out in order to document your wishes.
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Ask for information regarding palliative care, hospice care, and other options available to you.
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Ask your physician for their opinion, but make sure that their opinion is based upon information from a large sample, not just their history with patients or their personal experiences. For example, just because you physician has never had a patient decide to use palliative care or has opposing beliefs doesn't mean that he or she should advise against it for you.
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Ask your family members and proxy/surrogate to participate in these discussions.
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Understand that ultimately, the decision is up to you, you understand your wishes better than your physician does, and you should make the best decision for yourself.