A digital advance directive is one that exists entirely online. It is filled out, notarized if necessary, and stored online. A paper version may or may not exist. Digital advance directives are convenient as they may be downloaded anywhere the internet can be accessed.
A video advance directive is an online, recorded version of an advance healthcare directive, which may be used to supplement or replace more traditional legal documents in some states.
Digital Advance Directives
Digital advance directives are convenient as they are stored online and can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection. Digital advance directives may or may not be the exact legal documents adopted by each state.
Some providers of digital advance directives have adopted a ‘universal’ form that provides the same guidance but that may not have legal enforcement; nonetheless they will provide guidance to whoever is speaking for the patient and to the medical team.
Video Advance Directives
Traditional advance directives are legal documents adopted by each state; video advance directives, on the other hand, are a more recent development that are gaining in popularity and are starting to be adopted in some states. The benefits of video advance directives are that they may be more user friendly and make it easier for a patient to express their wishes with less ambiguity. They can take the form of a simple self-generated video on a cell phone or more formal recordings facilitated by several companies; some are free, some require sign-up and are supported by advertising, and some are paid services. Some companies offering these digital advance directives offer mobile apps and cloud storage.
Providers of Digital and Video Advance Directive Services
The following are a list of entities providing digital and video advance directives directly to consumers. Examine the websites and their offering carefully so that you understand their specific service.
- AD Vault offers MyDirectives® and MyDirectives MOBILETM: Available for Apple and Android devices.
- Apple®: The Health app from Apple, preloaded on many iPhones, has a place to store your directive. On an iPhone, look for the red heart icon.
- Caring Advocates is focused on advanced directives for persons with dementia.
- MIDEO has several levels of service including consultations with physicians.
- Vimty offers facilitated video advance directives.
- Vital Decisions: The company has a secure online platform, My Living Voice, to perform advance care planning and documentation.
- Your Own Phone: Make a self-video saying what you want, store it in front of your locked screen and send it to anyone you anticipate needing to speak for you.
