Substantial evidence shows that videos help patients and families understand the nature, benefits, and risks of life-sustaining treatment better than a discussion with a clinician. Yet, few clinicians use videos or other patient decision aids.
Fortunately, the largest healthcare system in the United States, the Department of Veterans Affairs, has launched a new series of videos. With this five-part educational video series, Veterans can learn about specific life-sustaining treatments, including CPR, mechanical ventilation, dialysis and feeding tubes.
Each video in this series provides an overview of the treatment with simple, visual imagery to increase understanding. Another video introduces Veterans with serious illnesses on how to set and align their treatment plans with goals. Knowing the specifics about certain types of life-sustaining treatments can help patients clearly identify and communicate their preferences.
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