Hospice Explained Podcast: Episode 6 Understanding the POLST Form and Advanced Directives

Episode 6 Understanding the POLST Form and Advanced Directives

Apr 16, 2021

Understanding the POLST Form and Advanced Directives: A Hospice Explained Episode

The sixth episode of the podcast 'Hospice Explained' explains the POLST (Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form, its purpose, the different names it goes by in various states, and its importance in end-of-life care. This episode also discusses advanced directives or living wills, a legal document determining how an individual's medical decisions should be made. These directives are strictly based on healthcare not finances or personal property. The host brings attention to the fact that the Emergency Medical Services team needs a medical order (like a POLST) to follow a patient's wishes, which a living will cannot provide. The host also emphasizes that these forms need to be regularly updated and clear about the patient's medical wishes.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:34 Understanding Advanced Directives

00:51 The Importance of Living Wills

01:59 Exploring the POLST Form

02:15 The Role of POLST in Different States

03:51 The Significance of Medical Orders

05:06 How to Change or Void a POLST Form

05:43 Understanding Choices on the POLST Form

07:03 Deciding on Medically Assisted Nutrition

07:36 Conclusion and Further Resources

www.polst.org

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