1. ABCDE’s of the Living Will, DNR or POLST– Medical Provider
A - Ask the patient or surrogate to be clear as to their intentions of their advance directive (Living Will, DNR order or POLST form).
B – Be clear as to if this is a terminal condition despite sound medical treatment, PVS vs. a treatable critical illness.
C – Communicate clearly if you feel the condition is reversible and treatable with a good or poor prognostic outcome.
D - Design a plan & discuss next steps. For example, your mom is critically ill. We can give her a trial of instituting life- sustaining care for 48 to 72 hours and if there is no benefit we can withdraw care and treatment.
E - Explain that it’s ok to withhold care and treatment or withdraw care so long as it’s in keeping with the patients perceived wishes. Also, take a moment to “Explain” the benefits of Palliative Care & Hospice.
© Mirarchi
Mirarchi,FL. Understanding Your Living, Addicus Books 2006 Will

2. ABCDE’s of the Living Will, DNR or POLST- Layperson
A - Announce to the medical provider that you have a Living Will or DNR order
B – Be clear with the medical provider what your intentions are regarding treatment in the face of such a document or order
Do you seek aggressive treatment or comfort care
Be clear to ascertain if this is a terminal conditional despite sound medical treatment vs. a critical illness .
Be clear to ascertain possible prognostic outcomes.
C – Communicate & coordinate with family members involved to ensure all are on the same page with the treatment plan.
D - Discuss next steps – What do we do next for Mom?
For example my mom is critically ill. Can we give her a trial of instituting life-sustaining care for 48 to 72 hours. If there is no benefit we can withdraw care and treatment.
E - Explore the benefits of Palliative Care and Hospice – If it is your decision not to pursue aggressive care, or you are considering withdrawing care
Mirarchi,FL. Understanding Your Living , Addicus Books 2006Will

3. Resuscitation Pause = Conversation
Medical
Layperson