you in this conversation, a “Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment” (POLST) form is available online that specifically addresses what options are available in situations if your heart stops or you cannot breathe. Carefully read over the form. There is also
and to express your concerns. Both
decision for you. You may change your
a place on the form where you can
you and your medical provider will
mind several times on what you may
choose the person (family member or
then sign the form. The POLST form
want. There is no right way for this
friend) who you would want to make
should be copied into your medical
process of decision-making. However,
medical decisions on your behalf if
chart while you keep the original form.
having this conversation early, even in
you cannot do so for yourself. Identify
If at any time you decide to change
your 40z, may be the most important
a person, and talk with them about
elements of your POLST form, be sure
conversation of your life. ✖
what you would want for advance
to make your doctor aware. Also, if you
directives. If you have specific ques-
find that you are going to a hospital
tions, write them down. When you are
that may not have access to your
ready, continue this conversation with
medical records, bring this form with
your doctor who will formally fill out
you to give to the medical staff.
the form for you. Be sure you bring
the person you have identified as your
ily, friends, and doctor, may be over-
decision maker with you too.
whelming. It is hard to imagine you,
as a beautiful 40-something-year-old,
During the appointment with your
Discussing this topic with your fam-
primary care provider, make sure to
in a life-threatening situation where
ask any questions you may have about
your life is at stake. I would suggest
the advance directives for clarification
taking your time in making the right
Resources: Link to “Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment” (POLST) form: https://www.cdph. ca.gov/programs/LnC/Documents/MDS30ApprovedPOLSTForm.pdf Spoelhof D et al, “Implementing Advance Directives in Office Practice.” Am Fam Physician. 2012 Mar 1;85(5):461-466
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