Item

Description

Call Number

MCH0533

Type of Material

-Video    -Pamphlet   -Data sheet   -Article   -Audio tape

-Model   -Statistics    -Book           -Poster   *Other: Digital Audio

Title

Family Album Radio: End of Life Decisions

Author

University of Florida

Publisher

N/A

Year of Publication

2005

Target Audience

Anyone preparing for the death of a loved one or their own death.

Suggested Setting

Radio Broadcast (radio or internet)

Length/Size (minute/page)

2 minutes, 1 second

Information on the Web (if applicable)

www.familyalbumradio.org

Downloadable at

http://radiosource.net/radio_stories/237.mp3

Order Information

N/A

Cost (USD)

N/A

Information updated

04/09/07

Reviewer

Cristina Marcelo

Abstract

Medical advances throughout the years have made it possible for health care professionals to sustain a person’s life even if that person is not expected to recover.  Because of these advances, it is difficult for family members to make decisions about what their loved ones would want if they were being kept alive in this manner.  For example, whether or not they would want to be kept on a life support system if they were in an irreversible coma or were near death.  If these decisions are made in advance through written record, it will help family members avoid disagreements about what type of care their loved one would want in this event.  Also, it ensures that families and their loved ones have a medical and emotional connection if one should be unable to make these decisions.  In this short radio broadcast, three basic steps are listed to protect one’s family should one of these situations occur.  First, one should think of their personal beliefs about life support.  Second, take action and make a living will or a Five Wishes Plan.  Many organizations have made materials that one can use that can be downloaded from the internet or one can obtain these materials from an attorney.  Lastly, share those wishes with other family members that will be responsible for carrying out those desires and informing the appropriate health care providers.  This Family Album radio broadcast is a co-production of University of Florida Department of Family, Youth, and Community Services, IFAS extension and WUFT-FM.

Critical Comments

Potential Audience. Because death is a matter that everyone will have to experience at one point of their lives, this broadcast serves a broad audience.  It is appropriate for many people such as those who are writing a living will, those that may have a terminal illness, or those who have a family member who is on life support. 

Availability. The resource is not only broadcasted over the radio, but it is also available to listen to online.  This makes it convenient because one can listen to it as many times as needed or if one missed the radio broadcast time. 

Organization. The radio report was well organized because it gave a good introduction first, gave reasons why it was important, and finished with three basic steps to follow. 

Vocabulary. The vocabulary is easy to understand for the intended audience.  It is does not overwhelm the listener with medical terms that some people may not understand. 

Sound Quality. The sound quality is very clear and the music in the background throughout is clear, but not distracting.