How can I discuss my future health-care wishes with my doctor and family?

Start the conversation before a health crisis

Advance care planning means thinking about the medical care you would want if you become unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself in the future. The conversation does not need to wait until a serious illness occurs. Discussing your wishes while you can communicate and think clearly can help your doctor and family understand what matters to you. Medical sources note that planning ahead can reduce confusion and the burden on a person and family during difficult circumstances. [1] [2]

Begin by considering what you regard as an acceptable quality of life, what circumstances might make you want intensive life-prolonging treatment, and when you might prefer a focus on comfort and symptom control. You do not need to predict every medical situation; the goal is to clarify values and priorities that can guide later decisions.

What should I discuss with my doctor?

Ask your doctor to explain medical options that could become relevant if you develop a serious illness or lose the ability to make decisions. The discussion can include cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the heart or breathing stops, mechanical ventilation, dialysis, tube feeding, and treatments intended to prolong life. You can also ask about palliative care, which focuses on controlling pain and other symptoms and supporting psychological, social, and spiritual needs. It can be part of care even when the goal is not to cure the underlying illness. [1]

Ask the doctor to explain the expected benefits and possible burdens of each option in the situations being discussed. It can be useful to repeat what you have understood in your own words to make sure the information is clear.

How should I talk with my family and trusted person?

Choose a calm time and explain what you want and why, rather than simply saying, “Do whatever you think is best.” If you want a particular person to communicate your wishes or make health-care decisions when you cannot, tell that person clearly and make sure they understand your values and limits. A doctor, nurse, or social worker may be helpful if the conversation is difficult. [1] [2]

How can I keep the plan clear?

After discussing your wishes, document them in an appropriate form for the health-care system you use and keep a copy where it can be accessed. Tell your doctor and family where it is kept, and review it when your health situation or preferences change. U.S. medical sources describe specific legal forms of advance directives, but that information does not mean that those forms or their enforcement requirements automatically apply in Jordan; this should therefore not be treated as a legal ruling under Jordanian law. [1] [2]

The practical goal is to make your wishes known and understood and to help the people close to you and your doctor make decisions that fit your values. For further reading: Advance Directives and Health Care Planning in Jordan (Arabic article).

Medical references

• Advance Directives
• Advance Directives
• Advance care directives