MEDICAL experts are encouraging the public to plan for a scenario where they become suddenly unwell by specifying their preferred treatment and identifying the person they want to make their decisions.
In a joint statement Advance Care Planning Australia (ACPA) Medical Director, Dr Karen Detering, and Australian Medical Association Ethics and Medico-Legal Committee Chair, Dr Chris Moy, stressed the need for the public to have plans in place should they fall ill with COVID-19.
"Families need to prepare for a time where they may be called upon to make decisions for their loved one who may become suddenly ill with coronavirus," Moy said.
"Research tells us that too many families find themselves in the devastating situation of making decisions blindly, without knowing or discussing their loved one's preferences.
"There is an opportunity to act now."
ACPA operates a National Advisory Service to support with advance care planning.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Mar 20
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