Reference no: EM133528290

Case Study: Ben is a 65-year-old, retired gentleman who lives with his supportive wife Jan. They have two adult children Jason and Rose. Ben was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer three years ago, and was treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Up until recently Ben had been fit and well, with scans showing no recurrence of the cancer. A month ago, Ben developed a cough and chest pain, and after seeing his doctor was referred for diagnostic imaging. Unfortunately, those investigations revealed a recurrence of Ben's lung cancer, which has now metastasised. Please watch the conversation between Ben and his doctor here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPafo1s5N9A Ben has been well supported by Jan since receiving this news, however Jan has found Ben's care increasingly difficult to manage. As such, Ben is transferred to an aged care facility for respite care. During Ben's stay, Ben discusses his concerns about dying with Jen, a care worker at the facility. Please wath the conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bza_OM_NSC

Questions:

1. What are the differences between the next of kin, a medical treatment decision maker, a support person, a power of attorney, and a guardian in relation to Ben? Please give examples of each describing their legal role involved in Ben's care. Which one/s would be the most appropriate for Ben to have in his current condition? Why?
2. Define advance care planning and discuss the possible benefits of advance care planning for both Ben and Jan.
3. At what point during Ben's illness trajectory might a conversation on advanced care planning be initiated with Ben? There may be differing opinions on this within the literature, please describe these giving examples as to why the opinions differ.
4. When would an advance care directive be reviewed? Who can activate it and when?