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Oregon POLST Program
 

January 3, 2018

Oregon POLST Program News
 
POLST Coalition announces successful release of 2018 POLST form
The Oregon POLST Coalition had a successful release of the 2018 Oregon POLST Form (version 12). The authorization for use began on January 2, 2018. Like all previous versions, the 2018 POLST form is a result of changes and updates suggested by POLST stakeholders, statutory and regulatory changes, and quality data from the Oregon POLST Registry. All prior versions of the form will continue to be honored. The summary of the changes can be found here and in the Oregon POLST Professional Resource Library. Forms can be ordered online and entities interested in printing their own forms should contact the Oregon POLST Program at polst@ohsu.edu.  
Updated Guidebook for Health Care Professionals   
The Oregon POLST Education Committee has updated the Oregon POLST Guidebook for Health Care Professionals. The downloadable guidebook can be viewed here and in the POLST Professional Resource Library.    
Focusing on quality improvement    
The Oregon POLST Quality Improvement Committee, chaired by Pam Hiransomboon-Vogel, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, ACHPN, will focus in 2018 on facilitating the progress of two initiatives:

       1. Reduce the use of POLST in those who are "too healthy" to have a POLST form
The Coalition recommends integrating a standard code status section on hospital transfer forms instead of using POLST orders routinely for all patients transferred to facilities. This is primarily an issue for patients going for short term rehabilitation. These transfer forms with orders for Full Code would replace the POLST forms for patients who are not POLST appropriate, and/or have not had a thoughtful Goals of Care conversation. The short and long versions of the recommendation are available in the Professional Resource Library

       2. Improve hospice submission rates to the Oregon POLST Registry
Effective October 13, 2017, POLST forms with verbal orders were allowed to be directly submitted to the Registry. This allows hospice and long term care to be able to submit forms more rapidly for those patients who have a pressing need. The amended rule eliminates the need to obtain the written signature prior to submitting to the Registry; it does not change standard practices regarding procedures for verbal orders. Click here to view the POLST changes impacting hospice and to learn why timely POLST form submission to the Registry benefits patients.

Visit the Quality Improvement page under Professional Resources to stay up to date on initiatives.

Upcoming Events    
January 5, 2018: All-City Palliative Care. Bob Macauley, MD, will present "Ethical Issues in the Deactivation of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices" at the Portland VA Medical Center. Click here to view the event flier.

February 2, 2018: All-City Palliative Care. Lawrence Neville, MD, will present "Does Palliative Care Have a Moral Obligation to Reject the Biological Concept of Race?" at the PeaceHealth SW Medical Center in Vancouver, WA. More information will be soon be available at www.ohsu.edu/ethics.

March 16, 2018: Regional Palliative Care Conference "Advanced Illness & End of Life in The Gorge: Conversations About Palliative Care" in The Dalles, Oregon. Click here to view the brochure.

 
Valerie M. Jimenez
Executive Director, Oregon POLST Program
Oregon Health & Science University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Pk Rd, UHN-86
Portland, OR 97239
Phone: 503-494-3965
 

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