Compare the two methods of Advanced Directives, that is the State of Florida form with either the Five Wishes or the POLST form

Assignment topic for Communication:
Under the communication topic is the idea of advanced directives. The advance directive idea has grown from basic forms that can be found in the state statutes to very refined documents such as Five Wishes or POLST or MOLST. But to start this topic we can access the Florida State statutes and see what the State of Florida has to offer as a advance directive. Here is the direct link to the Florida State Statute 765.101 https://www.caringinfo.org/planning/advance-directives/by-state/florida/
Links to an external site.
Scroll down to “Download Florida Advance Directive” This will give you an idea about the contents of the standard State form using the Florida one as an example. If you list the main parts it will give you an idea about the types of choices these forms allow for which are not exactly detailed or extensive in content. Now if you were to open a Five Wishes form: https://www.fivewishes.org/five-wishes-sample.pdf
Links to an external site. and compare to the earlier State form it becomes obvious the difference.
As a variation on the same theme there is also the POLST form which also gives several choices as a type of advance directive form. This will be our discussion for the communication module.
Assignment: Compare the two methods of Advanced Directives, that is the State of Florida form with either the Five Wishes or the POLST form and describe the following:
a) What are the differences between the forms?
b) Why do you think that there are differences between the forms?
c) What is accomplished by the newer generation of advanced directive (eg. Five Wishes or POLST)?
d) Which form would you rather have as a patient? and why?
Your answer should be at least 300 words and have a reference to it. You should comply with APA 7th ed guidelines and answer all of the questions clearly and completely.
ANSWER
Comparing Advance Directive Forms: State Form, Five Wishes, and POLST
Advance directives, also known as living wills, are legal documents that allow individuals to express their wishes regarding medical care in the event they become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for themselves. While the standard state-provided advance directive forms offer a basic framework for expressing preferences, more comprehensive options like Five Wishes and POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) provide greater detail and clarity.
Key Differences between Advance Directive Forms
State Form:
Focuses on specific medical treatments, such as artificial nutrition and hydration
Provides limited options for specifying end-of-life care preferences
Five Wishes:
Addresses a broader range of personal values and preferences beyond medical treatments
Includes sections on pain management, emotional and spiritual care, and wishes for organ donation
POLST:
Specifically designed for medical orders, focusing on desired levels of medical intervention
Utilizes a simple, color-coded format that facilitates communication between patients and healthcare providers
Reasons for the Differences
The evolution of advance directive forms reflects the increasing recognition of patient autonomy and the desire for more personalized end-of-life care planning. Standard state forms, while providing a basic legal framework, often lack the detail and flexibility to capture the nuances of individual preferences.
Advantages of Newer Generation Forms
Newer generation forms like Five Wishes and POLST offer several advantages:
Increased comprehensiveness: They address a wider range of personal values, preferences, and care options.
Enhanced clarity: They utilize language that is easier to understand and interpret for both patients and healthcare providers.
Improved communication: They facilitate more open and informed discussions between patients, families, and healthcare teams.
Personal Preference for Advance Directive Form
As a patient, I would prefer to have the Five Wishes form due to its comprehensive nature and focus on personal values. It allows me to express my wishes for medical care, pain management, emotional and spiritual care, and organ donation in a clear and detailed manner. This document would serve as a valuable tool for guiding my care in the event I become incapacitated.
Conclusion
The evolution of advance directive forms from the standard state format to more comprehensive options like Five Wishes and POLST reflects the growing importance of patient autonomy and personalized end-of-life care planning. These newer generation forms provide a more comprehensive and user-friendly approach to documenting individual preferences, fostering better communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers.
Reference
CaringInfo. (n.d.). Advance directives. Retrieved from https://www.caringinfo.org/planning/advance-directives/by-state/florida/
Five Wishes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fivewishes.org/five-wishes-sample.pdf