End-of-life decision making refers to the process of making choices about medical care and treatment when a person is facing a terminal illness or nearing the end of their life. This can include decisions about life-sustaining treatments, hospice care, and advance directives.

Empowering patients in end-of-life decision making allows them to have control over their medical care and treatment preferences. It ensures that their wishes are respected and followed, leading to a more dignified and comfortable end-of-life experience.

Patients can be empowered in end-of-life decision making by having open and honest conversations with their healthcare providers, family members, and loved ones. It is important for patients to express their values, beliefs, and preferences for care, and to create advance directives to ensure their wishes are known and respected.

Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to specify their healthcare preferences in advance, in the event that they are unable to make decisions for themselves. This can include instructions on life-sustaining treatments, hospice care, and organ donation.