From ovid to COVID: the metamorphosis of advanced decisions to refuse treatment into a safeguarding issue
The Journal of Adult Protection
ISSN: 1466-8203
Article publication date: 7 December 2020
Issue publication date: 7 December 2020
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine advance decisions to refuse treatment (ADRTs) in the context of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019) pandemic. This study considers the development of ADRTs, the lack of take up and confusion among the general public, clinicians and health and social care staff.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a conceptual piece that reflects on ADRTs in the particular context of COVID-19. It considers professional concerns and pronouncements on ADRTs.
Findings
ADRTs have a low take up currently. There is misunderstanding among public and professionals. There is a need for raising awareness, developing practice and a need to allay fears of misuse and abuse of ADRTs in clinical, health and social care settings.
Practical implications
The authors make recommendations that reflexive training and awareness become the norm in health and social care, that reform of ADRTs is undertaken to prevent misunderstandings and that the person becomes central in all decision-making processes.
Originality/value
This paper is original in considering ADRTs as a safeguarding issue from two perspectives: that of the person making the ADRT and being confident in respect for the decisions made; and that of clinicians and other professionals being reflexively aware of the need to accept advance decisions and not acting according to unconscious biases in times of crisis.
Keywords
Citation
Lyne, M. and Parker, J. (2020), "From ovid to COVID: the metamorphosis of advanced decisions to refuse treatment into a safeguarding issue", The Journal of Adult Protection, Vol. 22 No. 6, pp. 361-369. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-07-2020-0027
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited