POLST

Definition

POLST stands for Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, which is a medical order that outlines a patient's preferences for end-of-life care. This document is designed to ensure that individuals receive the specific medical treatments they desire or wish to avoid, based on their values and goals. It is particularly important for patients with serious illnesses or those who are near the end of life, providing clear guidance to healthcare providers about the patient's wishes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. POLST forms are typically used for patients with advanced illnesses or frailty and are intended to be honored across different healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home care.
2. Unlike an advance directive, which can be broader in scope, a POLST form is actionable and serves as a medical order that healthcare providers must follow.
3. Patients must have a conversation with their healthcare provider to complete a POLST form, ensuring their treatment preferences are understood and documented.
4. The POLST form must be signed by both the patient (or their legal representative) and a physician to be valid and enforceable.
5. The availability and regulations surrounding POLST forms can vary by state, making it essential for patients and families to understand local laws regarding these documents.

Review Questions

• How does a POLST form differ from an advance directive in terms of legal standing and purpose?
  • A POLST form differs from an advance directive mainly in its specificity and legal enforceability. While an advance directive allows individuals to outline general preferences for medical treatment in case they become incapacitated, a POLST form provides detailed medical orders that healthcare providers must follow immediately. The POLST is particularly aimed at patients with serious illnesses or those nearing the end of life, ensuring that their specific treatment preferences are honored in real-time situations.
• What role do healthcare providers play in the creation and implementation of a POLST form?
  • Healthcare providers play a crucial role in both the creation and implementation of a POLST form. They must engage in meaningful conversations with patients about their values and treatment preferences, guiding them through the process of completing the form. Once the POLST is signed, providers are responsible for ensuring that it is integrated into the patient's medical records and honored across various healthcare settings, adhering to the patient's wishes even when they cannot speak for themselves.
• Evaluate how POLST forms contribute to patient autonomy at the end of life and discuss potential ethical implications if not properly utilized.
  • POLST forms significantly enhance patient autonomy at the end of life by allowing individuals to articulate their specific treatment preferences based on their personal values and beliefs. This documentation empowers patients to take control over their care decisions, ensuring that they receive treatments aligned with their desires. However, if POLST forms are not properly utilized or communicated among healthcare providers, there could be ethical implications such as delivering unwanted treatments or ignoring a patient's expressed wishes. This scenario raises critical concerns about respect for patient autonomy and informed consent in end-of-life care.

Related terms

Advance Directive: A legal document that allows individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate those wishes.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: A specific order that indicates a patient does not want resuscitation efforts in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Palliative Care: A specialized medical care approach focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness, aiming to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family.