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Advance Medical Planning
The Editors welcome submissions for possible publication in the Letters section. Authors of letters should:
•Include no more than 300 words of text, three authors, and five references
•Type with double-spacing
•Send three copies of the letter, an authors' form signed by all authors, and a cover letter describing any conflicts of interest related to the contents of the letter.
Letters commenting on an Annals article will be considered if they are received within 6 weeks of the time the article was published. Only some of the letters received can be published. Published letters are edited and may be shortened; tables and figures are included only selectively. Authors will be notified that the letter has been received. If the letter is selected for publication, the author will be notified about 3 weeks before the publication date. Unpublished letters cannot be returned.
Annals welcomes electronically submitted letters.
TO THE EDITOR:
Dr. Gillick's argument for broader advance medical planning correctly states that part of the problem is poor physician–patient communication, especially among geriatric patients with hearing or mentation deficits. Dr. Gillick further reminds us that the presence of a family member during an office visit can be, but is not always, helpful [1]. Two other inexpensive communication techniques can improve patient understanding and promote more informed advance planning decisions.
First, patients can make their own audiotapes of important physician visits that can be replayed later, under more relaxed conditions, while advance planning matters are being discussed with family members.
Second, a concise (no more than one 8“ × 11” page) problem-oriented medical record—constructed, updated, and kept by patients or family members—can be helpful to patients and physicians. It should list active and inactive problems, allergies, and current treatment. A copy of the record can be taken to office or hospital visits, during which physicians can assess the patient's true comprehension of his or her health status.
The Editors welcome submissions for possible publication in the Letters section. Authors of letters should:
•Include no more than 300 words of text, three authors, and five references
•Type with double-spacing
•Send three copies of the letter, an authors' form signed by all authors, and a cover letter describing any conflicts of interest related to the contents of the letter.
Letters commenting on an Annals article will be considered if they are received within 6 weeks of the time the article was published. Only some of the letters received can be published. Published letters are edited and may be shortened; tables and figures are included only selectively. Authors will be notified that the letter has been received. If the letter is selected for publication, the author will be notified about 3 weeks before the publication date. Unpublished letters cannot be returned.
Annals welcomes electronically submitted letters.
- Copyright ©2004 by the American College of Physicians
