Oregon Polst Form: End-Of-Life Care Planning Made Easy

Quick Links :

In Oregon, making end-of-life care decisions can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. The Oregon POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form is a valuable tool that helps individuals ensure their wishes are respected and honored during their final days. By completing this form, Oregonians can take control of their end-of-life care and provide peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.

End-of-life care planning is an essential aspect of healthcare, and it's crucial to have open and honest conversations about one's wishes and values. The Oregon POLST form facilitates this process, allowing individuals to specify their preferences for life-sustaining treatments, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), mechanical ventilation, and artificial nutrition. By doing so, individuals can ensure that their healthcare providers and family members understand their desires, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and conflicts.

Oregon's POLST program has been instrumental in promoting end-of-life care planning and ensuring that patients' wishes are respected. Since its inception in 1991, the program has expanded to include a comprehensive form that addresses various aspects of end-of-life care. The form is designed to be user-friendly, allowing individuals to easily communicate their wishes to healthcare providers.

What is the Oregon POLST Form?

The Oregon POLST form is a standardized document that outlines an individual's preferences for life-sustaining treatments. The form is divided into sections, each addressing a specific aspect of end-of-life care. These sections include:

• Section A: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): This section allows individuals to indicate whether they want CPR if their heart stops or they stop breathing.
• Section B: Medical Interventions: This section enables individuals to specify the level of medical interventions they want, such as mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition, and hospitalization.
• Section C: Antibiotics: This section allows individuals to indicate whether they want antibiotics if they develop a life-threatening infection.
• Section D: Additional Orders: This section provides space for individuals to specify any additional orders or preferences they may have.

Benefits of the Oregon POLST Form

The Oregon POLST form offers numerous benefits, including:

• Increased control: By completing the POLST form, individuals can ensure that their end-of-life care wishes are respected and honored.
• Improved communication: The form facilitates open and honest conversations between individuals, their healthcare providers, and family members.
• Reduced conflicts: By clearly outlining an individual's wishes, the POLST form reduces the risk of misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Peace of mind: Completing the POLST form provides individuals and their loved ones with peace of mind, knowing that their wishes will be respected.

How to Complete the Oregon POLST Form

Completing the Oregon POLST form is a straightforward process that involves the following steps:

1. Obtain a copy of the form: Individuals can obtain a copy of the POLST form from their healthcare provider, a hospital, or online.
2. Review the form: Carefully review the form, paying attention to each section and the options available.
3. Discuss with healthcare provider: Discuss the form with a healthcare provider to ensure that all questions and concerns are addressed.
4. Complete the form: Complete the form, ensuring that all sections are filled out accurately and thoroughly.
5. Sign and date the form: Sign and date the form, making sure to include the date and time.
6. Provide a copy to healthcare provider: Provide a copy of the completed form to the healthcare provider, who will include it in the individual's medical record.

FAQs about the Oregon POLST Form

• Q: Who can complete the Oregon POLST form? A: Any Oregonian who is 18 years or older can complete the POLST form.
• Q: Can I change my mind after completing the POLST form? A: Yes, individuals can change their mind at any time and update their POLST form.
• Q: Is the POLST form the same as a living will? A: No, the POLST form is not the same as a living will. While both documents address end-of-life care, the POLST form is a medical order that outlines specific treatments and interventions.

Conclusion

The Oregon POLST form is a valuable tool that enables individuals to take control of their end-of-life care. By completing this form, Oregonians can ensure that their wishes are respected and honored, providing peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones. If you're an Oregonian, take the time to complete the POLST form and have open and honest conversations with your healthcare provider and family members about your end-of-life care wishes.