Empower Hong Kong's patients with advance care planning
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The Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance, which concerns advance medical directives (AMDs) and do-not-attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) orders, was
passed in late 2024 and will come into operation around mid-2026. Yet public awareness of such advance decisions remains low.
Advance care planning (ACP) is needed to facilitate such decisions. It is an empowering process for patients to plan for future healthcare needs while honouring their values and preferences.
With the support of healthcare professionals, patients may indicate to family members their preferences for future medical and personal care, especially in scenarios where they are lacking in mental capacity.
ACP helps meet the four principles of biomedical ethics in clinical medicine.
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Respect for autonomy is the first principle. ACP provides an informed process to heighten patients' autonomy. After obtaining the necessary information from healthcare professionals, patients may decide on the kinds of healthcare which align with their values and preferences in terms of quality of life during the final journey.
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