End of life decisions and advance directives

Abstract

In a recent study conducted by Dr Saul Weiner, it was established that ‘patients tend to do better when their doctors pay attention to their individual needs and circumstances’ (Seaman, 2013). The health care system in general has been steadily shifting its approach from a paternalistic approach to one in which both the doctor and the patient work together to achieve the best possible results. This also applies for the local scenario where measures have been proposed to promote patient rights and patient autonomy, particularly through a new patients’ charter for rights and responsibilities.