Medical Decisions in Light of COVID-19

If you have an existing medical directive, you may want to revise it in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alternatively, if you have been putting off making critical decisions regarding an advanced directive, you may wish to do so now. It is more important than ever to think about what type of care and treatment you want in the event you become critically ill and are unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself. While some individuals focus these discussions on whether or not they would want to be intubated and placed on a ventilator if they contract the virus and suffer respiratory failure, others contemplate what quality of life they would likely enjoy after an extended period on a ventilator if they survive. These are not easy questions and all decisions as to what treatment options you would or wouldn’t want in any particular situation should be carefully considered. Having a well-drafted medical directive, including a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care, is the best way to provide guidance to both your healthcare providers and your loved ones while ensuring that your personal wishes and preferences are followed.