5 Medical Wishes Forms

Introduction to Medical Wishes Forms

Medical wishes forms are documents that outline a patient’s preferences for medical treatment in the event that they become unable to communicate their wishes themselves. These forms are an essential part of advance care planning, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensuring that their wishes are respected. In this article, we will explore five different types of medical wishes forms, their purposes, and how they can be used to promote patient autonomy and dignity.

1. Advance Directive Form

An advance directive form is a document that specifies a patient’s wishes for medical treatment in the event of a life-threatening illness or injury. This form typically includes information about the patient’s values, beliefs, and preferences for treatment, as well as their choices for end-of-life care. Advance directive forms can be used to appoint a healthcare proxy, who can make decisions on behalf of the patient if they become incapacitated. It is essential to note that advance directive forms are legally binding documents, and healthcare providers are required to respect the patient’s wishes as outlined in the form.

2. Living Will Form

A living will form is a type of advance directive that outlines a patient’s wishes for end-of-life care. This form typically includes information about the patient’s preferences for life-sustaining treatments, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), mechanical ventilation, and artificial nutrition and hydration. Living will forms can be used to ensure that patients receive the care they want, even if they become unable to communicate their wishes.

📝 Note: Living will forms should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that they reflect the patient’s current wishes and values.

3. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare Form

A durable power of attorney for healthcare form is a document that appoints a healthcare proxy to make decisions on behalf of the patient. This form typically includes information about the patient’s values, beliefs, and preferences for treatment, as well as their choices for end-of-life care. Durable power of attorney for healthcare forms can be used to ensure that patients receive the care they want, even if they become unable to communicate their wishes. It is essential to choose a healthcare proxy who is familiar with the patient’s values and preferences, and who can make decisions that reflect the patient’s wishes.

4. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Form

A do not resuscitate (DNR) form is a document that instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the patient’s heart stops beating or if they stop breathing. DNR forms are typically used for patients who are terminally ill or who have a poor prognosis, and who do not want to receive life-sustaining treatments. It is essential to note that DNR forms only apply to CPR, and do not affect other treatments or interventions.

5. Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) Form

A medical orders for life-sustaining treatment (MOLST) form is a document that outlines a patient’s wishes for life-sustaining treatments, such as mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition and hydration, and dialysis. MOLST forms are typically used for patients who are seriously ill or who have a poor prognosis, and who want to ensure that their wishes are respected. It is essential to review and update MOLST forms regularly, to ensure that they reflect the patient’s current wishes and values.

Form	Purpose
Advance Directive Form	Specifies patient's wishes for medical treatment
Living Will Form	Outlines patient's wishes for end-of-life care
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare Form	Appoints healthcare proxy to make decisions on behalf of patient
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Form	Instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR
Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) Form	Outlines patient's wishes for life-sustaining treatments

In summary, medical wishes forms are essential documents that allow patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure that their wishes are respected. By using these forms, patients can promote their autonomy and dignity, and ensure that they receive the care they want, even if they become unable to communicate their wishes.