As End of Life Nears, What to Do With Implanted Defibrillators?

As advance directives grow in scope and acceptance, here is yet another area where such documentation can be very helpful. Many studies indicate that the more detailed and complete your advance directive, the more likely your wishes will be followed -- including wishes about the role of implanted technologies such as addressed here. One comprehensive directive is the Lifecare Advance Directive (see www.LifecareDirectives.com), which readily allows additional comments. Another popular advance directive is the Five Wishes living will (see www.agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes.php). Regardless of the forms you choose, everyone should make sure that their wishes are well documented and clearly spelled out.

JT McKay, PhD of NV 2:19PM May 14, 2010