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National Center for Ethics in Health Care

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Health Care Ethics Resources for Veterans, Patients, and Families

Honoring Veteran's Healthcare Preferences

Healthcare Planning Animated Stories

All Veterans, whether healthy or ill, young or old, receiving healthcare in a clinic, hospital, or at home, deserve to have their wishes heard and healthcare preferences honored. This series of animated stories highlights different communication approaches and tools to support patients at any age or stage of health in sharing, documenting, and honoring their healthcare goals and preferences. 

YouTube Vignette Series

Advance Directives

Form: VA Advance Directive (Spanish version) - The advance directive form is an official document where you can write down your preferences for your health care. 

Educational Handout: What You Should Know About Advance Directives

Worksheet: Mental Health Care Preferences (Attach to your VA Advance Directive Form. Initial and date each page)

Website: Advance Care Planning via Group Visits

Podcast: What's An Advance Directive, and Why Should I Complete One? (6:35) 

Podcast: Choosing A Health Care Agent (5:36) 

Podcast: I’ve Been Chosen as A Health Care Agent – Now What? (4:50)

For Patients with a Serious IllnessGoCC Sticker

Video: Setting Healthcare Goals

Video: CPR

Video: Feeding Tubes

Video: Dialysis

Video: Mechanical Ventilation

If you have a serious illness, set up a time to have a goals of care conversation with your VA health care team to discuss what matters most to you.

Handout: Setting Health Care Goals explains the nature and purpose of goals of care conversations, helping prepare patients, families and health care surrogates for a discussion about the patient’s goals and life-sustaining treatment decisions. YouTube and podcast versions are also available.

Podcast: Setting Health Care Goals When You Have A Serious Illness (5:56)

Podcast: Would CPR Be Right for Me? (4:51)

Podcast: Mechanical Ventilation — An Option for Breathing Problems (6:05)

Podcast: Choosing A Health Care Agent (5:36)

Informed Consent

Podcast: Informed Consent Empowers Veterans  (4:47) 

Patient Information Guide: Safe and Responsible Use of Opioids for Chronic Pain
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