Resources for Healthcare Professionals
COVID-19
The global coronavirus pandemic is affecting us all and we are all in this fight against COVID-19 together. We at the Goals of Care Coalition of New Jersey know that you are working hard to manage the demands of the influx of affected patients and we’re grateful for all that you are doing.
At times like this, it can feel like the usual concerns of palliative care—quality of life, discernment of patient goals, and advance care planning—are de-prioritized, but in truth, they have never been more important. Nursing home populations and older adults, often with underlying chronic medical conditions, are at the highest risk of being affected by COVID-19. Many will get sick, some critically, and many will die.
To better manage this complex situation, there needs to be a focused effort to ensure that high risk patients, for whom it’s appropriate, have a completed POLST (Practitioner Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) form. Our intent is to support you in your efforts to ensure that individuals goals and preferences remain a focus of care while the healthcare system adapts to the unprecedented demands. On this page you’ll find several tools and resources to help you facilitate the advance care planning and POLST process for your high-risk patients.
New Jersey POLST Forms (PDF):
Additional Resources:
Impact of COVID-19 on Medical Decision Making
“Impact of COVID-19 on Medical Decision Making: POLST & Other Important Considerations for High-Risk People” was a free webinar presented by Goals of Care Coalition of New Jersey.
NJHA Webinar (video)
New Jersey POLST: the form, the conversation, and updates.
COVID-19 toolkit
CAPC has organized a COVID-19 toolkit including crisis communication and symptom management protocols for all clinicians, guidance on using Medicare COVID-19 emergency waivers, and tools to help palliative care teams address high levels of volume and stress during a crisis. All toolkit resources and online courses have been made publicly available.
COVID-Ready Communication Skills
A Playbook of VitaTalk Tips
NJHA Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of PPE based on CDC Guidance
Version 1, March 23, 2020
NJHA Guidance
The New Jersey Hospital Association has a long list of guidance and resource links, plus a public service hot line.
HCANJ COVID 19 Resources
The Health Care Association of New Jersey is offering a list of resources, including a toolkit for Long Term Care centers.
MSNJ COVID 19 Resources
Medical Society of New Jersey offers coronavirus (COVID19) resources for healthcare professionals.
Respecting Choices COVID 19 Resources
COVID 19 Information from LeadingAge
Current information, tools, and resources to help plan for and respond to COVID-19.
4Step iCare Plan
An Individualized End of Life Care Plan
Our 4Step iCare Plan is a simple, 4-step approach that helps patients, families, and healthcare providers navigate through challenging medical decisions.
Learn more with our video series and helpful tools
Get Involved!
As an agent of change. Join the Goals of Care Coalition of New Jersey to help improve end of life care for patients and families. As a supporter of our efforts. We depend on the generosity of our donors to help the sickest and most vulnerable New Jerseyeans get the care they need and no less, and the care they want and no more. Donate today to help us provide critical information to patients and families and raise our voice with local, state and federal policy makers.
Members:
Academic Collaborations:
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