What does a Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) include?

A Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) includes instructions specifying treatments when a person is very ill. This document is designed to communicate a patient's preferences for medical treatment in situations where they may be unable to communicate their wishes. It outlines specific medical interventions the patient would or would not want, such as resuscitation efforts, mechanical ventilation, or feeding tubes.

This individualized approach ensures that the healthcare team understands the patient's goals of care and aligns treatment with their preferences, particularly in critical or end-of-life situations. By focusing on treatment preferences, a POLST form helps facilitate discussions between patients, their families, and healthcare providers about the kind of care the patient desires.