Episode Details

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.