The POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form is an essential document for individuals with serious illnesses or those who want to ensure their end-of-life care preferences are respected. In Pennsylvania, the POLST form has been widely adopted as a means of communicating patients' wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments to healthcare providers. Here are five key facts about the POLST form in Pennsylvania that individuals, caregivers, and healthcare professionals should know.
What is the POLST Form?
The POLST form is a standardized document that outlines a patient's preferences for life-sustaining treatments, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), mechanical ventilation, and feeding tubes. The form is designed to ensure that patients' wishes are respected and followed by healthcare providers across different settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices.
Key Facts About the POLST Form in Pennsylvania
Fact #1: The POLST Form is a Physician Order
The POLST form is a physician order, which means it is a medical order that must be followed by healthcare providers. In Pennsylvania, the POLST form is considered a valid physician order, and healthcare providers are required to follow the instructions outlined in the document.
Fact #2: The POLST Form is Voluntary
The POLST form is a voluntary document, and patients are not required to complete it. However, for individuals who want to ensure their end-of-life care preferences are respected, the POLST form provides a clear and effective means of communicating their wishes to healthcare providers.
Who Should Consider Completing a POLST Form?
Individuals with serious illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, or lung disease, may want to consider completing a POLST form. Additionally, individuals who have strong preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments or those who want to ensure their wishes are respected may also want to complete a POLST form.
Fact #3: The POLST Form Must be Signed by a Physician
The POLST form must be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. This ensures that the patient's wishes are reviewed and validated by a healthcare professional.
What Happens if a Patient's Wishes Change?
If a patient's wishes change, they can update their POLST form at any time. The updated form must be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
Fact #4: The POLST Form is Portable
The POLST form is a portable document, which means it can be transferred between healthcare settings. This ensures that patients' wishes are respected and followed across different care settings.
How Does the POLST Form Improve Patient Care?
The POLST form improves patient care by ensuring that patients' wishes are respected and followed. This reduces the risk of unwanted medical interventions and improves patient outcomes.
Fact #5: The POLST Form is Part of a Larger Conversation
The POLST form is part of a larger conversation about end-of-life care and advance care planning. It is essential for individuals to discuss their wishes with their loved ones and healthcare providers to ensure their preferences are respected.
What are the Benefits of Advance Care Planning?
Advance care planning provides several benefits, including improved patient outcomes, reduced stress for loved ones, and increased patient satisfaction.
In conclusion, the POLST form is an essential document for individuals with serious illnesses or those who want to ensure their end-of-life care preferences are respected. By understanding the key facts about the POLST form in Pennsylvania, individuals, caregivers, and healthcare professionals can work together to provide high-quality patient care that respects patients' wishes.
Share Your Thoughts
We invite you to share your thoughts on the POLST form and advance care planning. Have you or a loved one completed a POLST form? What benefits or challenges have you experienced? Share your story in the comments below.
What is the purpose of the POLST form?
+The POLST form outlines a patient's preferences for life-sustaining treatments, ensuring their wishes are respected and followed by healthcare providers.
Who should complete a POLST form?
+Individuals with serious illnesses, those with strong preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments, or those who want to ensure their wishes are respected should consider completing a POLST form.
Can a patient update their POLST form?
+Yes, patients can update their POLST form at any time. The updated form must be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.