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Can't We Improve on Advance Directives?
- Henry S. Perkins, MD
- From the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229.
IN RESPONSE:
These letters represent a wide range of views about the usefulness of advance directives. Dr. Simcic's skepticism is similar to mine. Dr. Carter gives advance directives modest support, using them for now but hoping for better approaches in the future. Drs. Brasic and Hammes believe strongly that the current system of advance directives prevents overly aggressive treatment of dying patients, saves resources, and promotes comfort.
The view of Drs. Brasic and Hammes, whose end-of-life work I admire, differs most from my own. I believe their enthusiasm for advance directives rests on …
