Jesus Practiced Advance Care Planning: Biblical Basis and Possible Applications

Area of Science:

• Theology
• Medical Ethics
• Healthcare Chaplaincy

Background:

• Persons from Christian traditions may encounter unique concerns that hinder end-of-life advance care planning.
• Jesus's approach to his own end-of-life events offers a potential model to address these concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel approach to advance care planning specifically tailored for individuals within a Christian tradition.
• To demonstrate how Jesus's actions toward the end of his life can serve as a framework for advance care planning.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Kolb's experiential learning cycle (concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, active experimentation) to develop the novel approach.
• Analyzed specific events from Jesus's final days (e.g., Last Supper, Gethsemane) to illustrate advance care planning principles.
• Developed guiding questions for healthcare and spiritual care professionals to facilitate discussions.

Main Results:

• A novel advance care planning model derived from Jesus's end-of-life experiences was developed.
• Specific life events of Jesus were identified as practical examples of advance care planning.
• Tools (questions) were created for professionals to engage patients in this approach.

Conclusions:

• This Christ-centered approach offers a unique method to facilitate advance care planning for Christians.
• The model can potentially be adapted for individuals of other religious backgrounds by examining their sacred texts.
• Further exploration, adaptation, and evaluation are encouraged to assess its utility in practice.