[Medical and medical ethical basis of precautionary options].

The main activities of anesthesiologists in addition to the operation theatre are intensive and emergency treatment as well as pain and palliative care. Discussions and decisions about strategies and enforcement of therapy are indispensable in all areas. Acknowledgment of the patients' wishes and protection of patient autonomy are very important in the context of medical fiduciary duty. Determination of the aim of therapy and the patient's prognosis are of special importance. Against the background of the current amendments of patient advance directives different possibilities, such as advance directive and emergency forms in different areas of anesthesiology will be discussed.