POLST forms, what are they?

A brief overview of what a POLST form is and its importance in end of life care

POLST stands for Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. It is a form used in the United States to document and communicate a patient's preferences regarding medical treatments at the end of life.

A POLST form is typically a brightly colored, standardized document that contains medical orders that are signed by a physician or other authorized healthcare professional. The form is designed to be portable and is usually printed on bright paper to make it easily recognizable. It is intended to ensure that a patient's treatment preferences are honored across various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and emergency medical services.

I typically recommend that people put their POLST form on the fridge or in a plastic bag in the freezer. The kitchen is a central location in people’s homes typically and “check the fridge” is an easy direction to give medical professionals or a family member in case of emergency.

The specific content of a POLST form can vary slightly depending on the state, as POLST programs are implemented at the state level. However, there are some common elements typically included on a POLST sheet. These may include:

1. Identification Information: The patient's name, date of birth, and demographic details.

2. Medical Interventions: This section captures the patient's preferences regarding specific medical interventions. It may include options like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), intubation, mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition, and hydration.

3. Medical Orders: The form includes checkboxes or other means to indicate the patient's preferred level of treatment for different medical conditions or scenarios. For example, it may specify whether the patient prefers full treatment, limited treatment, or comfort-focused care.

4. Allergies and Medications: Information about the patient's known allergies and current medications can be included to ensure proper medical management.

5. Signature and Date: The POLST form is typically signed by the patient or their authorized representative, as well as the healthcare professional who is responsible for the medical orders.

It's important to note that the POLST form is a medical order and is legally binding in most states. It is meant to complement advance directives, such as living wills or healthcare proxy documents, by providing more detailed and actionable medical instructions. The form is intended to guide healthcare professionals in providing appropriate treatment based on the patient's wishes in emergency situations or at the end of life.

Keep in mind that the specifics of POLST forms can vary slightly between states, so it's always a good idea to consult the relevant guidelines and regulations for the state you're in.

As a caregiver, it's important to know about tools like the POLST form. It helps you assist your loved ones in making clear decisions about their medical care, especially toward the end of life or if they are very ill. Understanding the POLST form not only helps you with medical choices but also ensures that the person's end-of-life wishes are respected. Having a POLST form is crucial to giving a person as much control as possible over their care.

Until Next Time,