Understanding the Illinois POLST Form
Illinois POLST form (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is a vital document designed to ensure that patients' preferences regarding medical treatment are respected and followed, especially in emergency situations. It serves as a bridge between patients, healthcare providers, and emergency responders, translating a patient's wishes into actionable medical orders. The Illinois POLST form is particularly important for individuals with serious illnesses, chronic conditions, or those nearing the end of life, as it provides clarity and guidance on the level of care they desire.
What Is the Illinois POLST Form?
Definition and Purpose
The Illinois POLST form is a medical order that documents a patient's preferences for treatments such as resuscitation, intubation, antibiotics, and artificially administered nutrition. Unlike an advance directive or living will, which are legal documents outlining general wishes, the POLST form is a physician-signed order that is intended to be followed by emergency medical personnel and healthcare providers across various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home care.
The primary purpose of the Illinois POLST form is to:
- Respect patients' autonomy regarding end-of-life and critical care decisions.
- Ensure that patients receive care aligned with their values and wishes.
- Provide clear, actionable instructions to emergency responders and healthcare providers.
- Facilitate communication between patients, families, and medical teams.
Who Should Consider Completing a POLST?
The Illinois POLST form is recommended for:
- Adults with serious, chronic, or progressive illnesses such as advanced cancer, heart failure, or COPD.
- Elderly individuals receiving long-term care.
- Patients nearing the end of life or in palliative care.
- Anyone who wants to specify their preferences for life-sustaining treatments.
It is essential to recognize that the POLST form is not static; it should be reviewed and updated regularly, especially when health conditions change.
Key Components of the Illinois POLST Form
Medical Treatments Addressed
The Illinois POLST form covers several critical treatment decisions, including:
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Whether the patient desires full resuscitative efforts or prefers to have no resuscitation.
- Use of Artificial Airway and Breathing Support: Including intubation and mechanical ventilation.
- Antibiotic Use: Whether to administer antibiotics in case of infection.
- Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: Decisions about feeding tubes and IV hydration.
Sections of the Form
The form is typically divided into sections that address:
1. Patient identification and healthcare provider information.
2. Specific treatment preferences for each intervention.
3. Signatures of the healthcare provider and, if applicable, the patient or their surrogate decision-maker.
4. Date of completion and review.
These components ensure that the document is comprehensive, clear, and legally valid, serving as an important guide for emergency and routine care.
Legal and Regulatory Framework in Illinois
Legislation Governing POLST
Illinois has specific laws and regulations that govern the use of POLST forms to ensure they are legally valid and respected. The Illinois POLST Paradigm is overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health and complies with national standards to promote consistency and patient-centered care.
Key legal points include:
- The POLST form is a medical order that must be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
- The form is portable across care settings, meaning it should be honored whether the patient is at home, in a hospital, or in a nursing facility.
- Patients retain the right to revoke or modify their POLST at any time.
Validity and Revocation
The Illinois POLST form remains valid until:
- The patient’s health status significantly changes, warranting an update.
- The patient revokes or updates their preferences.
- The healthcare provider determines that the form is no longer appropriate.
Patients or surrogates should review and update the form regularly, especially after hospitalizations, changes in health, or if they move to different care environments.
How to Complete the Illinois POLST Form
Steps for Patients and Caregivers
1. Discuss with Healthcare Providers: Have an open conversation about your values, goals, and treatment preferences with your healthcare team.
2. Consider Your Options: Understand what each treatment entails and how it aligns with your wishes.
3. Document Your Preferences: Fill out the POLST form with your healthcare provider, ensuring clarity on each treatment decision.
4. Sign the Form: The form must be signed by the patient or their legal surrogate and the healthcare provider.
5. Distribute Copies: Ensure copies are accessible to emergency responders, primary care providers, and caregivers.
Important Tips for Completing the Form
- Be honest and clear about your wishes.
- Discuss your preferences with loved ones to ensure they understand your choices.
- Keep the original form in a known, accessible location.
- Update the form when your health status or preferences change.
Benefits of Using the Illinois POLST Form
Patient-Centered Care
The POLST form empowers patients to make their own decisions about their care, ensuring their wishes are known and followed.
Improved Communication
It serves as a clear communication tool among patients, families, and healthcare providers, reducing confusion and ensuring everyone understands the care plan.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency medical teams rely on POLST forms to quickly determine the appropriate course of action, especially when patients are unable to communicate.
Respect for Autonomy
The form respects individual autonomy by honoring personal values and treatment preferences, even in urgent situations.
Challenges and Considerations
Potential Limitations
- Misinterpretation of the form’s instructions can lead to unwanted treatments.
- Not all emergency responders may be familiar with POLST forms.
- The form needs to be current; outdated information can cause conflicts.
Addressing These Challenges
- Regularly review and update the POLST form.
- Educate healthcare providers and emergency personnel about POLST.
- Ensure the form is easily accessible and prominently displayed.
Resources and Support for Illinois Residents
Where to Obtain the Illinois POLST Form
- Through healthcare providers and hospitals.
- From local health departments.
- Online via the Illinois Department of Public Health website or other reputable sources.
Assistance in Completing the Form
- Consult with physicians, nurses, or palliative care specialists.
- Seek guidance from patient advocacy organizations.
- Utilize educational resources to understand treatment options thoroughly.
Additional Support Services
- Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care programs.
- Legal assistance for advance care planning.
- Support groups for patients and families dealing with serious illnesses.
Conclusion
The Illinois POLST form is a crucial tool in ensuring that individuals' healthcare preferences are honored across all settings, especially during emergencies. By clearly documenting treatment choices, the POLST form promotes patient autonomy, improves communication, and facilitates compassionate, individualized care. For residents of Illinois facing serious health conditions, understanding and utilizing the POLST form is an essential step in advanced care planning. Regular review and open conversations with healthcare providers and loved ones can help ensure that the form accurately reflects current wishes, providing peace of mind and clarity for all involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Illinois POLST form and who should consider completing it?
The Illinois POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form is a medical order that outlines a patient's preferences for life-sustaining treatments. It is recommended for individuals with serious, chronic, or advanced illnesses to ensure their treatment wishes are respected across healthcare settings.
How does the Illinois POLST form differ from a healthcare power of attorney?
The Illinois POLST form specifies actual medical treatments that a patient wants or refuses, and is a physician's order, whereas a healthcare power of attorney designates a person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so.
Can the Illinois POLST form be changed or revoked once it is signed?
Yes, a patient can modify or revoke the Illinois POLST form at any time by discussing changes with their healthcare provider and signing a new form or indicating changes directly on the existing form.
Where can I obtain the Illinois POLST form and how do I complete it?
The Illinois POLST form is available through healthcare providers, hospitals, or the Illinois Department of Public Health website. It should be completed collaboratively with a healthcare professional to ensure that the treatments align with the patient’s preferences.
Is the Illinois POLST form legally binding, and how is it used in emergencies?
Yes, the Illinois POLST form is a legally recognized medical order. It is intended to guide emergency medical personnel and healthcare providers in delivering care consistent with the patient’s wishes during emergencies or hospital admissions.
