Discuss what you want your loved ones to know about your illness, pain, dying process, etc. Can a loved one correctly describe how you would like to be treated in the case of a terminal illness? Why or why not?

This discussion board replaces in-class conversations/discussions and helps to build and develop professional skills. One of my former students who is now an executive director of a non-profit organization thanked me for pushing her to have these difficult conversations because it is a skill she now uses daily in her professional role.

Using the Discussion Board, respond to these questions with quality content dialog with your team.

Number your responses for ease of reading/grading/assessment.

1. You may recall a few years ago the story of Brittany Maynard.

Watch the video/read the script and respond to these questions.

1. Does this person have sufficient mind to reasonably understand her condition? Why or why not?
2. Is she capable of understanding the nature and effect of her treatment choices? Why or why not?
3. Is she aware of the consequences associated with her choices? Why or why not?
4. Do you agree with her decision? Why or why not?

Are you familiar with ‘Five Wishes’?  You can view it at these links.

After viewing this video and these documents, answer these questions…

1. If there were a choice, would you prefer to die at home, or in a hospital? Why?
2. Who you want to make health care decisions for you when you can’t make them. Why?
3. Describe the kind of medical treatment you want or don’t want.
4. Describe how comfortable you want to be.

On a scale of 1 to 5, where do you fall on this continuum?  1: Let me die without medical intervention to 5:  Don’t give up on me no matter what, try any proven and unproven intervention possible.

1. Discuss what you want your loved ones to know about your illness, pain, dying process, etc.
2. Can a loved one correctly describe how you would like to be treated in the case of a terminal illness? Why or why not?
3. Is there someone you trust whom you have appointed to advocate on your behalf when the time is near? Why did you select this person?
4. After this assignment are you closer to having this discussion with your family/loved ones? Why or why not?
5. Have you completed any of the following: written a living will, appointed a healthcare power of attorney, or completed an advance directive?
6. What would you do if you are asked for your opinion on who in our society has the right to determine who should live and who should not live?