Aust Fam Physician
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'Advance directives' are instructions given by an individual regarding future health care decisions should they become incapacitated. ⋯ General practitioners require time and information if they are to assist patients in the process of completing an advance directive. Further research and extensive public education are necessary to develop relevant strategies to encourage the use of advance directives if they are to be utilised to assist people to face death with some sense of control.