Vårdönskemål

Vårdönskemål, meaning "care wishes" in Swedish, refers to a person's documented preferences regarding their medical treatment and end-of-life care. These wishes are typically expressed in advance, while the individual is still capable of making decisions for themselves. The primary purpose of vårdönskemål is to ensure that a person's values and desires are respected and upheld if they become unable to communicate them at a later stage, particularly in situations of severe illness, incapacitation, or at the end of life.

Vårdönskemål can cover a wide range of medical interventions and personal preferences. This might include decisions about resuscitation, artificial ventilation, life-sustaining medication, pain management, and the location of care, such as at home or in a hospice. It also encompasses preferences regarding spiritual or religious support, personal comfort measures, and who should be involved in decision-making processes. The document serves as a guide for healthcare professionals and loved ones, helping them to make choices that align with the patient's known wishes.

In Sweden, vårdönskemål can be formally documented through an advance directive, also known as a living will or "framtidsfullmakt" (future power of attorney) if it pertains to broader legal and financial matters that may include healthcare decisions. These documents are not legally binding in all circumstances, but they carry significant weight and are intended to be taken seriously by healthcare providers. Open communication with family members and healthcare teams is crucial to ensure that these wishes are understood and can be effectively implemented. The concept promotes patient autonomy and shared decision-making in healthcare.