What is the core goal of end-of-life conversations in healthcare?

• A. To align care with patient goals and values, clarify goals of care, and document preferences and advance directives.
• B. To maximize aggressive treatment regardless of patient wishes.
• C. To minimize documentation and decisions.
• D. To delay discussions until a crisis.

Answer: (A)

End-of-life conversations aim to ensure care reflects what matters most to the patient. They focus on understanding the patient’s goals and values, clarifying what goals of care actually mean in practice (for example, choosing comfort and quality of life over aggressive treatments), and documenting preferences and advance directives so those wishes guide decisions even if the patient can no longer communicate. This approach supports patient autonomy, reduces the risk of unwanted interventions, and provides a clear plan for clinicians and families across care settings. Delaying discussions, pursuing aggressive treatment without regard to wishes, or minimizing documentation misses the opportunity to honor what matters to the patient and can lead to care that doesn’t align with their preferences.