“If anything should happen to you while in the hospital, whether your heart stops or you can’t breathe, would you like everything done: CPR where we press on your chest, a tube placed down your throat to help you breathe, and/or medicines to help your heart work better?”
These questions, known as advanced directives, are asked to every individual both young and old who are admitted to a hospital. Some patients who are asked their advanced directives are prepared and know exactly what they want in life-threatening situations. However, many patients are shocked by the thought of these questions. Some patients have never discussed their wishes for emergent situations or end-of-life care. These individuals are at risk of having things done to them in the hospital that they may not want.
It can be scary to think about and stressful for not only you, but your family as well. Studies have found that when family members have to make medical decisions for a loved one, the most common negative effects are stress when making decisions, guilt over the decisions made, and doubt regarding whether they had made the right decisions.
So what can you do now to prevent additional stress to your family while making sure you get the treatments you want at the time you need?
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Here are a few tips to document your advance directives.
First, talk to your family and close friends about what you would like in life-threatening situations. To assist you in this conversation, a “Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment” (POLST) form is available online that specifically addresses what options are available in situations if your heart stops or you cannot breathe. Carefully read over the form. If you have specific questions, write them down. When you are ready, continue this conversation with your primary care provider who will formally fill out the form for you.
During the appointment with your primary care provider, make sure to ask any questions you may have about the advanced directives for clarification and to express your concerns. Both you and your medical provider will then sign the form. The POLST form should be copied into your medical chart while you keep the original form. If at any time you decide to change elements of your POLST form, be sure to make your doctor aware. Also, if you find that you are going to a hospital that may not have access to your medical records, bring this form with you to give to the medical staff.
Discussing this topic with your family, friends, and doctor, may be overwhelming. It is hard to imagine yourself in a life-threatening situation where your life is at stake. I would suggest taking your time in making the right decision for you. You may change your mind several times on what you may want. There is no right way for this process of decision-making. However, having this conversation early may be the most important conversation of your life.
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Dr. Amber Robins is a Family Medicine resident physician and graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Dr. Robins is also an international best-selling author of “The Write Prescription: Finding the ‘Right’ Spiritual Dosage to Overcome Any Obstacle.” Throughout her journey, Dr. Robins’ goal is to motivate others to achieve their own personal success which she does as a personal life coach. You can find more articles at www.DrAmberRobins.com.
