Improving Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment Form Rates Among Senior Residents
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Ekiti, Agnes S.
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Abstract
Problem: At an Interdisciplinary Wellness Clinic (IWC), there were low completion rates of Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) forms for residents in the senior communities served. Notably, 60% of the residents seen did not have a MOLST form, increasing the risk of misalignment between end-of-life care and resident preferences. Purpose: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve residents' MOLST form completion rates by implementing and measuring adherence to the Respecting Choices (RC) advanced care planning (ACP) intervention, an evidence-based, research-supported practice change. Methods: Staff purchased and completed the RC learning module with an opportunity for continuing education credit. The QI project lead (QI-PL) delivered a PowerPoint presentation to educate the staff about utilizing the RC ACP Introduction guide (RCIG) and provided educational leaflets and MOLST forms. Staff used the RCIG when delivering ACP discussions with consenting residents. Framed reminders were placed in the clinic for ACP conversations. All residents without a MOLST form received an education leaflet and a blank MOLST form during intake and birthday wellness encounters. Staff documented the ACP discussion and assisted the residents with completing the MOLST form during the encounter. The QI-PL monitored all aspects of the project weekly. Results: The RCIG median adherence rate was 100%. The MOLST form completion rate increased from 0% in the first three weeks to 100% in the last two weeks. MOLST completion rates were 78%, an improvement from 10% in the first eight months of the year. Conclusions: Findings supported evidence that the RCIG tool improves MOLST completion rates. Tactics such as framed reminders, education handouts, and follow-ups aided in the success of this QI initiative.