Giving patients what they want, even if the doctor doesn't have the time

Doctors struggle to find the time to have in-depth conversations with their patients. Patients, in turn, don't share their end-of-life preferences with their doctors, which leaves them vulnerable to getting more aggressive care than they want. It also wastes a huge amount of money. 

In my new article, I confess a time I contributed to this problem, and point to a really exciting new solution. Harvard researchers, conducting a huge study across the state of Hawaii, have now proven a new way patients can get their wishes respected even if their doctor doesn't have as much time as they want. Online videos about end of life decisions. The videos are outstanding, and proven to work. Plus - bonus! - they saved the system money. 

It's win-win. Check it out!

NHPR Panel Discussion about Advanced Directives and End-of-Life Planning

It was a thrill to join Laura Knoy of NHPR's "The Exchange" and other guests Todd Bookman (NHPR science reporter), Shawn LaFrance (executive director of the Foundation for Healthy Communities) and Michael Skibbie (Policy Director for the Disabilities Rights Center) for a panel discussion about advanced directives, death panels, end-of-life planning and New Hampshire's inadequate surrogate decision-maker laws. Our gracious host said we were "flooded" with calls - including from NH state senator Peggy Gilmore.

Listen in on our conversation at NHPR.