POLST Guidance for Clinicians
The following resources share best practices around having discussions with patients about POLST, completing a POLST with patients, guiding patients to manage their POLST and navigating POLST conversations with a patient's loved ones and surrogate caregivers. If you have further questions, please reach out to info@washingtonpolst.org.
Understanding Advance Directives vs. POLST
Advance Directives
For all adults.
Appoints healthcare agent/surrogate.
Typically used in hospital to guide care when one can't communicate for themselves.
General instructions for treatment in specific medical scenarios, how long to continue medical intervention and hoped for outcomes.
Various forms and version available.
Signed by:
Individual
Two Witnesses or Notary (either or, but not both)
POLST
For those living with illness, medical frailty or at later stage of life.
Specific medical orders guiding life-sustaining treatment out of hospital when one can not communicate for themselves.
Does not appoint healthcare agent/surrogate.
One standardized form.
Signed by:
Patient or Surrogate Decision Maker
Physician, NP, or PA