What purpose do advance care planning conversations serve in the POLST Paradigm?

Advance care planning conversations in the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) Paradigm play a crucial role in facilitating shared decision-making among all parties involved, including patients, family members, and healthcare providers. These conversations ensure that a patient's preferences regarding their medical treatment and end-of-life care are clearly understood and respected.

By engaging in advance care planning, individuals are empowered to express their values and choices concerning their healthcare, particularly in situations where they may not be able to communicate their wishes. This collaborative approach helps to align treatment plans with the patient's desires, thus improving the quality of care and reducing unnecessary interventions that may not align with the patient’s goals.

Engaging in these discussions helps healthcare providers and family members to confidently honor the patient's wishes, leading to a more patient-centered approach to care. This is essential in the context of the POLST Paradigm, which focuses on translating patient goals into actionable medical orders that can guide treatment during emergencies or serious illness.