A free tool to support people to draft an advance decision or advance statement online.

This factsheet explains what an advance decision is, what it can and cannot be used for, and how to make one.

This practical guide includes information to understand how treatment and care decisions are made, how individuals can plan ahead to ensure they stay in control of these decisions, and who to talk to and share their wishes with.

This booklet supports individuals to talk about their wishes for care and treatment with their family, friends and doctor.

Brief guidance on Court appointed deputies and independent mental capacity advocates.

This document contains the advance decision to refuse treatment form – the form sets out the situations in which individuals want to refuse medical treatment if they are unable to make or communicate that decision in the future; and guidance notes – this gives information to help people complete the form. The notes explain when an advance decision would be used and offers support to consider the wishes.

This factsheet provides essential information on advance decision, lasting power of attorney for health and welfare, and capacity.

Findings of a research project to better understand the knowledge and experience GPs have of advance decisions. Five themes emerged from this study and include: GPs had significant gaps in knowledge about advance decisions and how they can benefit people; GPs imposed a financial barrier by charging for appointments to discuss advance decisions; GPs felt that conversations about death, dying and planning for the end of life would be too upsetting or difficult; GPs had negative preconceptions about refusing treatment; and GPs had practical concerns about the ease and process of supporting a person to make an advance decision.

This toolkit supports healthcare professionals’ understanding of advance decisions. It looks at: the legal framework for advance decisions and explains healthcare professionals’ obligations when caring for someone who lacks capacity; what an advance decision is and the criteria one needs to meet; how to support someone to make an advance decision; what steps should be followed if a person lacks capacity and has an advance decision; challenges that healthcare professionals may face when acting on an advance decision and offers practical guidance to help overcome them; and the relationship between advance decisions and lasting power of attorney for health and welfare. It consolidates guidance from the Mental Capacity Act, General Medical Council and British Medical Association.