The consideration of advance directives is increasing in many parts of the world, allowing the wishes of the patients to be clear, even if they are not able to express them due to the progression of the disease (Borasio and Voltz 2006).
Borasio and Voltz (2006)
It is clear from several studies that physicians and patients do want to utilise advance directives.
Miller and others 2009b
Do hospice care, spiritual interventions, or advance directives improve quality of life in the terminal phase of ALS?
-
Systematic studies of hospice, spirituality, and advance directives in ALS are lacking.
-
Conclusion
-
No controlled studies examined hospice, spiritual care, or advance directives in ALS.
-
Recommendation
-
There are insufficient data to support or refute hospice, spiritual care, or advance directives in ALS (Level U).