Physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST): outcomes in a PACE program

Article Abstract:

Physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) are discussed based on outcomes in a program of all-inclusive care for the elderly. A retrospective chart review for the 58 patients who died in in the program in 1997 was carried out. POLST completion in the program was above reported advance directive rates. For feeding tubes, antibiotics, CPR, and IV fluids, care matched POLST more than reported earlier. Medical intervention level was consistent with POLST instructions for fewer than half the subjects. Factors leading physicians to leave stated patient preferences should be studied further.

Author: Lee, Melinda A., Brummel-Smith, Kenneth, Meyer, Jan, Drew, Nicholas, London, Marla R.
Aging, Care and treatment, Aged, Elderly, Statistical Data Included, Practice, Physicians, Medical professions, Terminal care, Geriatrics, Living wills

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Reduced mammographic screening may explain declines in breast carcinoma in older women

Article Abstract:

A cross sectional analysis for examining whether declines in breast cancer in the oldest women is related to the use of cancer testing is presented.

Author: Kaplan, Robert M., Saltzstein, Sidney L.
Science & research, Breast cancer, Aged women, Mammography, Elderly women

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA



Subjects list: Health aspects, Research, United States, Usage
This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.