What is the POLST form?

• A. A medical order for patients at risk of life-threatening events, detailing treatment preferences
• B. A standard hospital admission form
• C. A record of daily vital signs
• D. A consent for experimental procedures

Answer: (C)

A POLST form is a medical order that captures a seriously ill or frail patient’s preferences for life-sustaining treatments. It goes beyond general wishes by translating those preferences into specific, actionable orders that clinicians can follow across settings, including in EMS encounters. This makes it a portable guide for decisions such as whether to perform CPR, use airway support, or pursue certain life-sustaining interventions, ensuring care aligned with the patient’s goals even when they can’t speak for themselves.

It’s not just a standard hospital admission form, nor a record of daily vital signs, nor a consent for experimental procedures. Its purpose is to guide actual medical actions in acute or emergent situations based on the patient’s stated values and goals.