NYT Article: CPR, by Default
The New York Times (NYT) has published an article, "CPR, by Default."
The article examines the prevalence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on frail older patients, and talks about associated risks and recent studies on its use. "Emergency responders in the United States typically default to what one research team called a 'maximalist” strategy,'" however, it is noted that this may not acknowledge older adults’ specific risks or values.
"Older adults can make their wishes known by discussing them with their doctors and families, then documenting them in advance directives...a newer and more comprehensive document, covering a variety of health care choices beyond resuscitation and carries legal weight in any setting, called a POLST (short for 'physician orders for life-sustaining treatment'). Meant for people with serious illnesses at any age, POLST programs are available in nearly every state, though forms and names differ. The POLST website provides state-by-state information."
Illustration: James Steinberg/The New York Times
To go to the article, click here.
To go to the National POLST website, click here.
