Advanced directives as perceived by healthcare professionals

Abstract

Advance directives are instruments that aim to ensure the fulfillment of patients’ will in circumstances where they are unable to express themselves freely. This study investigated how health professionals perceive the use of this tool in palliative care, as well as the main ethical dilemmas and gains or losses related to it. Semi-directed interviews were conducted with nine professionals and the data underwent content analysis. Five categories emerged, pointing to a good reception of the resource, as it ensures patient autonomy, strengthening the perception of care, facilitating decisions and providing psychological comfort. On the other hand, the adversities or challenges involved the need for better technical preparation and greater team integration, professional overload, legal uncertainty about its use, end-of-life as a taboo and society’s lack of knowledge about the subject.