What is the purpose of an advance directive in healthcare?

The purpose of an advance directive in healthcare is to outline a person's preferences for medical treatment in advance. This legal document allows individuals to communicate their wishes regarding medical care in situations where they may be unable to speak for themselves, such as during a serious illness or injury. By specifying the types of treatments they would or would not want, advance directives ensure that healthcare providers understand the patient's values and desires, allowing for care that aligns with those preferences.

While a healthcare proxy, which is sometimes established through an advance directive, allows someone to make healthcare decisions on a person's behalf, the primary role of an advance directive itself is broader and includes more comprehensive planning for medical treatment. It is not specifically a legal document for hospital admission nor does it focus on current medications, making those options less relevant to the core function of an advance directive.