Can a POLST Paradigm form be used for persons with significant physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, and/or severe persistent metal illness?
Use of the POLST Paradigm form is most appropriate for seriously ill persons with life-limiting or terminal illness. To determine whether a POLST Paradigm form should be encouraged, clinicians should ask themselves, “Would I be surprised if this person died in the next year?” If the answer is “No, I would not be surprised”, then a POLST Paradigm form is appropriate. Use of the POLST Paradigm form to limit treatment is not appropriate for persons with stable medical or functionally disabling problems who have many years of life expectancy. In the absence of a POLST Paradigm form or other state-specific do-not-resuscitate orders, patients will receive advanced cardiac life support, including CPR, endotracheal intubation, and defibrillation, by emergency medical personnel based on standard protocols.
Related Questions
- Can a POLST Paradigm form be used for persons with significant physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, and/or severe persistent mental illness?
- Can the MOLST be used for any persons with mental retardation or developmental disabilities or persons with mental illness?
- Can a POLST Paradigm form be used for minors?
