Debate,Dilemma,and Solution of Living Will

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Public Health Policy
• End-of-Life Care

Background:

• Living wills document patient preferences for medical care during critical or terminal illness stages when they are unable to communicate.
• The social implementation of living wills in China faces significant obstacles.
• These obstacles stem from traditional ethical beliefs, policy limitations, legal frameworks, and the current state of medical service provision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the challenges hindering the social implementation of living wills in China.
• To propose strategies for promoting hospice care by overcoming these barriers.

Main Methods:

• This study is primarily a policy and ethical analysis.
• It examines existing socio-cultural, legal, and healthcare system factors influencing living will adoption.
• Recommendations are based on identifying key areas for improvement.

Main Results:

• Traditional ethical views, policy gaps, legal ambiguities, and inadequate medical service supply are identified as major impediments.
• The current system presents substantial challenges to the widespread acceptance and utilization of living wills.
• There is a clear need for systemic and educational interventions.

Conclusions:

• Effective promotion of hospice care in China necessitates strengthening public education on life and death perspectives.
• Improving the operational procedures for living wills is crucial.
• Establishing a national palliative care security system is essential for advancing end-of-life care.