Advance Health Directives: Competing Perceptions, Intentions and Use by Patients and Doctors in Queensland

QUT Law Review, 13(1), pp. 30-51, 2013

23 Pages Posted: 10 Jul 2016

See all articles by Lindy Willmott

Lindy Willmott

Queensland University of Technology - Faculty of Law

Ben White

Queensland University of Technology - Faculty of Law

Cheryl Tilse

University of Queensland

Jill Wilson

University of Queensland

Kelly Purser

Queensland University of Technology - Faculty of Law

Date Written: 2013

Abstract

This paper reports on mixed method empirical research undertaken with individuals who have completed advance health directives (‘principals’) and doctors who have either attested to the principal’s capacity when the document was completed or been called upon to use these documents in clinical settings. Principals and doctors appear to have different understandings of the purpose of these documents and their role in decision-making about medical treatment. We recommend changes to the advance health directive form in Queensland to promote informed decision-making which will help to better align perceptions of principals and doctors about the role of these documents.

Keywords: Adult guardianship, Advance health directive, Advance directive, Health law, Medical law

Suggested Citation

Willmott, Lindy and White, Ben and Tilse, Cheryl and Wilson, Jill and Purser, Kelly, Advance Health Directives: Competing Perceptions, Intentions and Use by Patients and Doctors in Queensland (2013). QUT Law Review, 13(1), pp. 30-51, 2013, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2806813

Lindy Willmott

Queensland University of Technology - Faculty of Law ( email )

Level 4, C Block Gardens Point
2 George St
Brisbane, QLD 4000
Australia

HOME PAGE: http://staff.qut.edu.au/staff/willmott/

Ben White (Contact Author)

Queensland University of Technology - Faculty of Law ( email )

Level 4, C Block Gardens Point
2 George St
Brisbane, QLD 4000
Australia

HOME PAGE: http://staff.qut.edu.au/staff/whiteb/

Cheryl Tilse

University of Queensland ( email )

St Lucia
Brisbane, Queensland 4072
Australia

Jill Wilson

University of Queensland ( email )

St Lucia
Brisbane, Queensland 4072
Australia

Kelly Purser

Queensland University of Technology - Faculty of Law ( email )

Level 4, C Block Gardens Point
2 George St
Brisbane, QLD 4000
Australia

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