Table 1 Stated circumstances in which the individual advance directive should apply
Qualifying scenario | Listed in | Applicable in index event | If scenario was interpreted to include: |
|---|---|---|---|
Terminal condition that will cause death within a relatively short time/dying process | 21 (60.0%) | ? | |
Permanent unconsciousness/irreversible coma | 17 (48.6%) | 0 (0.0%) | |
Irreversible loss of ability to reason/of power of judgment/of decision-making ability | 12 (34.3%) | 6 (50.0%) | Global aphasia |
End-stage condition of an incurable/fatal disease, even if death is not yet conceivable | 11 (31.4%) | ? | |
Permanent brain damage | 10 (31.4%) | 9 (90.0%) | (Sub)total MCA infarction (n = 5) Bilateral MCA infarction (n = 1) Basal ganglia hemorrhage > 50 ml (n = 2) Basilar artery occlusion (n = 1) |
Advanced degenerative brain disease with need of artificial nutrition | 9 (25.7%) | 0 (0.0%) | |
Failure of vital functions | 9 (25.7%) | 1 (11.1%) | Sepsis with multiple organ failure |
Most severe physical disability/disease | 3 (8.6%) | 2 (66.7%) | Hemiplegia, bedridden |
Intolerable pain | 3 (8.6%) | 0 (0.0%) | |
No improvement over 3 weeks after severe stroke | 2 (5.7%) | 0 (0.0%) | |
No will to live perceptible | 1 (2.9%) | 0 (0.0%) |