What is the POLST Paradigm?

The POLST Paradigm, which stands for Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, is an essential approach to end-of-life planning that emphasizes honoring the preferences and wishes of patients concerning their medical treatment. This paradigm enables individuals, particularly those with serious illnesses or life-limiting conditions, to communicate their healthcare preferences clearly and effectively to healthcare providers.

Under this model, patients can specify their wishes regarding various medical interventions, such as resuscitation efforts and the use of life-sustaining treatments. The POLST forms facilitate the translation of these wishes into actionable medical orders, ensuring that patients receive care aligned with their values and desires.

By prioritizing patient autonomy and providing a structured format for medical decision-making, the POLST Paradigm plays a crucial role in aligning healthcare practices with patients' preferences, especially during critical situations where they may not be able to voice their needs directly. This approach is recognized for improving the quality of care and ensuring that treatment is consistent with the patients' desires, ultimately supporting more compassionate and personalized healthcare at the end of life.