An ADRT form, also known as Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment form, is a legal document that allows an individual to clearly document their decision to refuse specific types of medical treatment in the future. This decision can be applicable in certain circumstances when the individual no longer has the capacity to make or communicate their medical decisions.

An ADRT form must be specific about the treatment that the individual wants to refuse and should only be operative under specific circumstances. It is important to know that an ADRT form can only be used to refuse a treatment, not request a specific treatment or euthanasia.

Let’s illustrate this with an example. Say, Jack is in the early stages of dementia and is worried that as his illness progresses, he might lose the ability to make decisions about his healthcare. He is particularly disturbed about the idea of being resuscitated if his heart should stop, feeling that it might unnecessarily prolong his suffering. In this case, Jack could draw up an ADRT form where he refuses cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This means his medical team must respect his wishes and cannot attempt CPR if his heart stops.

Completing an ADRT form can provide peace of mind to an individual, ensuring their autonomy and dignity even in cases where they lose their mental capacity. It is also helpful for healthcare professionals and the individual’s loved ones as it provides clarity on the individual’s wishes. It is strongly recommended that an ADRT form is completed with the help of a healthcare professional who can provide accurate information about what a particular treatment entails.

Once the form is completed it should be shared with the person’s General Practitioner and any loved ones who might take decisions on their behalf so that it can be taken into account when clinicians are devising a care plan for them. The forms are typically free to complete and can be easily registered and downloaded for safekeeping from websites like myADRT.

The initial question “What is an ADRT form?” thoroughly explained the concept of Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) and its relevance in healthcare, particularly for patients who might lose their capacity to make decisions in the future. Since we’ve understood that an ADRT is a decision you make now to refuse a specific type of treatment at some time in the future, there are a series of related questions that usually follow, such as:

1. Who can make an ADRT?

Any competent adult can make an ADRT. “Competence” in this context relates to an individual’s capacity to understand the nature and consequences of the decisions they are making. Usually, you must be over 18 years old to complete an ADRT. Anyone, healthy or not, can set up an ADRT as long as they can fully understand the implications of their decisions.

2. What can I refuse in an ADRT?

An ADRT allows you to refuse specific medical treatments for potential future situations. These treatments could be anything, like resuscitation or life support treatments, or it could be a refusal of routine treatments such as antibiotics for an infection. However, it’s important to know that an ADRT does not allow you to request for your life to be ended.

3. How to make a legally valid and applicable ADRT?

In the UK, an ADRT is legally binding if it fulfills these conditions:

• It clearly specifies the circumstances and which treatments you wish to refuse.
• It confirms that these refusals apply even if your life is at risk.
• You have the mental capacity to make these decisions.
• It is in written form if it relates to the refusal of life-sustaining treatment.
• It is signed and witnessed.

1. How can I ensure my ADRT is carried out?

Firstly, it’s important that others are aware of your ADRT, as doctors and health professionals cannot refer to it if they are unaware of its existence. Ideally, your ADRT should be available in your medical records. You could also tell your GP, family members, and anyone else who might be involved in your care about your ADRT. Websites like myADRT allow you to register your ADRT and make it easily accessible to your care providers.

5. Can I change my ADRT once it’s done?

Yes, you can change or cancel your ADRT at any time while you are still mentally capable. New decisions will invalidate previous ones. So it’s usually a good idea to regularly review and if necessary, update your ADRT especially if your health situation or wishes change.

6. What’s the difference between an ADRT and a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for health and welfare?

An LPA for health and welfare allows you to nominate someone else to make decisions about your health and welfare on your behalf, should you lose the capacity to do so. On the other hand, an ADRT is a legally binding document stating the medical treatments that you would not like to be given in the event you can’t make or communicate these decisions yourself.

If you are considering creating an ADRT or updating an existing one, we encourage you to register your ADRT form with myADRT by visiting https://myadrt.com/register/  By registering with myADRT, you can ensure that your document is created, stored, and shared more efficiently with healthcare professionals and trusted individuals involved in your care.

Additionally, please consider sharing the myADRT service with your friends, family, or loved ones who may also benefit from having an ADRT in place. By spreading the word about this valuable service, you can help others take control of their future medical care and ensure their wishes are respected even when they are unable to communicate them personally. Registering an ADRT with myADRT is a proactive step towards peace of mind for both you and the people who care about you.