Implementation of a POLST Pilot Project
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Isaacs, Jill
Tracy, Mary
Issue Date
2014-05-21
Volume
Issue
Type
Manuscript
Language
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The number of aging persons in the United States is rapidly rising, as is the number of persons with chronic and terminal illnesses. Discussions regarding advance care planning are imperative to ensure that one’s wishes for end-of-life treatment are honored. The Provider’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment paradigm is a process for a health care provider and seriously or terminally ill patient to discuss the patient’s goals for end of life care. These goals are translated into actionable medical orders that are honored across healthcare settings. The POLST program is not currently endorsed in Arizona. A core-working group has been assembled to implement a POLST pilot project. The pilot project commenced with an education day to improve key health care professional’s knowledge about POLST and their confidence in utilizing the POLST form. Evaluation of the educational program included POLST knowledge pre and post-surveys as well as Likert scales addressing level of skill and personal comfort with advance care planning discussions. Nine of the 14 participants completed both surveys. All participants who completed both surveys demonstrated increased knowledge. The Likert scales were either unchanged or demonstrated improved level of skill and personal comfort with advance care planning discussions.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Creighton University
License
Permission to use and modify the copyrighted Oregon POLST form was obtained from the OHSU Center for Ethics in Health Care.
Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University
Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University