Abstract
The BMA recently produced comprehensive professional guidance on advance statements and medical treatment, in the form of a Code of Practice and explanatory notes. However, some of the guidance is problematic. This article reviews various aspects of the Code and recommends its use as a set of essential explanatory notes to health-care professionals.
Highlights
The Code provides advice to health profes sionals on a range of advance statements
Advance Statements About Medical Treatment In April 1995 the British Medical Association (BMA) published a Code of Practice, Advance Statements About Medical Treatment. This was in response to requests for advice from health professionals consulted by patients with, or wishing to make, advance statements about their future medical care
The BMA is not in the position of encouraging people to make advance statements but believes that people should have the opportunity to plan for their future care if they so wish
Summary
In April 1995 the British Medical Association (BMA) published a Code of Practice, Advance Statements About Medical Treatment. This was in response to requests for advice from health professionals consulted by patients with, or wishing to make, advance statements about their future medical care. The Code provides advice to health profes sionals on a range of advance statements. It is concerned with clear instructions refus ing some or all medical procedures (advance adnirecitnivdeisv)i,dubault's alsoaswpiirtahtiosntastemeanntsd wphreicfherernecfelesc, t statements of general belief and aspects of life which an individual values, and with statements wcohniscuhltedn,ameon antohteherindpiveirdsuoanl's whboehaslhf,ouldaboubte medical decisions. Health professionals should ensure that patients are aware of the advantages and disadvantages before deciding to make an advance statement
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