Introducing advance directives in the Nigerian health care Setting

Abstract

Ethical and appropriate care of patients at the end of life is a subject of continuing discussion in health care circles and in society at large. End-of-life care for individuals in clinics or hospitals must be based on a philosophy that acknowledges the inherent worth of each person as a unique individual. Patients and their families have rights to respect, compassion, attentive and skilled physical and psychosocial care, and spiritual support provided in a holistic manner by the health care team. The four bioethical principles of beneficence, autonomy, non-maleficence and justice should form the framework upon which treatment decisions and approaches to care are based. The failure to clearly document the wishes of the terminally ill patient through advance directives, including living wills and durable powers of attorney, can impede good end-of-life care.Health care plans and providers can improve the quality of care by encouraging individuals to participate in the health care decision-making process, particularly while patients still have the mental capacities to do