What does a Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form primarily provide?

The Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form primarily provides guidance on the specific medical treatments that a patient desires or wishes to avoid in emergency situations. This form is designed for individuals with serious health conditions and aims to translate their healthcare preferences into actionable medical orders. It allows patients to express their wishes regarding resuscitation efforts, the use of medications, and other interventions, ensuring that their desires are respected and upheld by healthcare providers.

POLST forms are particularly important as they help to facilitate conversations between patients, their families, and medical professionals about end-of-life care. This ensures that critical decisions about life-sustaining treatments reflect the individual’s values and preferences, thus empowering them in their own healthcare choices.