Table 1 Portuguese Advance Directives Content [6]: the document presents two sequential sections to answer. In Sect. 1, participants choose the clinical scenarios they intend to apply the answers of Sect. 2 questions, up to 3 different scenarios which refer to medical conditions that render them unable to express their wishes or exert their autonomy

Scenario 1

Diagnosis of incurable and terminal disease

Scenario 2

No expected recovery, according to state of art

Scenario 3

Unconsciousness with irreversible neurologic or psychiatric disease complicated by respiratory, renal, or cardiac disfunction

Question 1

Do not receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Question 2

Do not be submitted to invasive vital organ support

Question 3

Do not receive artificial nutrition and hydration just to slow up the natural death process

Question 4

To participate in experimental studies or investigation trials

Question 5

Do not be submitted to experimental treatments

Question 6

Do not be submitted to experimental studies or investigation trials

Question 7

To interrupt previously consented experimental treatments or investigation trials participation

Question 8

Do not authorize blood and derivates transfusions

Question 9

To receive palliative care and minimal oral or subcutaneous hydration

Question 10

To be administered effective and necessary pain killers and other symptom control drugs

Question 11

To receive spiritual assistance when invasive life support is ended

Question 12

Be accompanied by the following person _____________________ when invasive life support is ended