Understanding Polst Form Hawaii In 5 Easy Steps

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Making informed decisions about end-of-life care is crucial for individuals and their loved ones. In Hawaii, the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is a valuable tool that helps patients communicate their wishes regarding medical treatment. If you're looking to understand the POLST form in Hawaii, this article will guide you through the process in 5 easy steps.

What is a POLST Form?

A POLST form is a medical order that outlines a patient's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment. It is a physician-signed order that complements a patient's advance directive, such as a living will or durable power of attorney. The POLST form is intended for patients with serious illnesses or frailty, and it provides clear guidance for healthcare providers regarding the patient's treatment preferences.

Step 1: Understand the POLST Form's Purpose and Scope

The POLST form is designed to ensure that a patient's wishes regarding medical treatment are respected. It addresses the following aspects of care:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Medical interventions, such as the use of antibiotics or intravenous fluids
• Artificial nutrition and hydration
• Other life-sustaining treatments

By completing a POLST form, patients can specify their preferences for each of these areas, providing clear guidance for healthcare providers.

POLST Form vs. Advance Directive

While both POLST forms and advance directives are used to communicate a patient's wishes regarding end-of-life care, there are key differences between the two. An advance directive is a general statement of a patient's values and preferences, whereas a POLST form is a specific, physician-signed order that outlines the patient's treatment preferences.

Step 2: Identify the Eligibility Criteria for a POLST Form

In Hawaii, patients who meet the following criteria are eligible to complete a POLST form:

• Patients with serious illnesses or conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, or dementia
• Patients with frailty or limited life expectancy
• Patients who have previously completed an advance directive

Patients who meet these criteria should discuss their eligibility with their healthcare provider.

Step 3: Complete the POLST Form with Your Healthcare Provider

To complete a POLST form, patients should discuss their treatment preferences with their healthcare provider. This conversation should address the patient's values, goals, and preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment.

• Patients should consider their personal values and goals, such as maintaining their independence or avoiding suffering.
• Patients should discuss their preferences for each aspect of care, including CPR, medical interventions, artificial nutrition and hydration, and other life-sustaining treatments.

Once the patient has discussed their preferences with their healthcare provider, the provider will complete the POLST form, which includes the following sections:

• Patient information
• Treatment preferences
• Signature of the patient and healthcare provider

Step 4: Review and Update the POLST Form as Needed

Patients should review their POLST form regularly to ensure that it reflects their current wishes and preferences. The POLST form should be updated whenever there are changes in the patient's condition or treatment preferences.

• Patients should review their POLST form with their healthcare provider at least annually or whenever there are significant changes in their condition.
• Patients should update their POLST form to reflect any changes in their treatment preferences or values.

Step 5: Share the POLST Form with Healthcare Providers and Loved Ones

To ensure that their wishes are respected, patients should share their POLST form with their healthcare providers and loved ones.

• Patients should provide a copy of their POLST form to their healthcare providers, including their primary care physician, specialists, and hospice or palliative care providers.
• Patients should discuss their POLST form with their loved ones, including family members and friends, to ensure that they understand their wishes and preferences.

By sharing their POLST form, patients can ensure that their wishes are respected and that they receive the care they desire.

We hope this article has helped you understand the POLST form in Hawaii. By following these 5 easy steps, patients can ensure that their wishes regarding end-of-life care are respected. We invite you to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.