You may be asking what these two could possibly have in common? You may even be offended by putting their names together. But in 1974, both of these very famous and influential people did something that not many Americans had done before them. Each signed a living will, taking control of the time, place and circumstances of their death.

After their deaths and the ensuing publicity regarding the "Living Will" that each had executed, the numbers of people learning about and demanding to have end of life decision-making has increased tremendously. Still, today only 36% of Americans have a living will, up from 20% before the Terry Schiavo affair. 

 

But living wills are not the end of the story. Despite having living wills, it is common for patients to receive much more end of life care than they may have wanted. The cause appears to be a disconnect between the patient's wishes in the living will and the physician and the medical community.

 

Enter "POLST" - Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment. The health care providers in consult with the patient determine the wishes of the patient with life limiting conditions. These directions are translated into medical orders that can be anything from use of antibiotics to artificial hydration and nutrition. These medical orders are on a bright form (like a DNR), usually pink, designed to travel with the patient. Because the direction is now a medical order, there is a increased likelihood that the orders will be followed.

 

Many states have adopted POLST and Florida is in the process. Join our office and Dr Leonard Hock, Medical Director at Hospice by the Sea for National Health Care Decisions Day on April 16 to learn more and have your voice be heard on this important issue. RSVP today as seating is limited.

 

July 15, 2009