Kent Hospital - Advance Directives Promotion

Kent Hospital has integrated a variety of monthly advance directives initiatives. For example, in January, informative brochures and durable power of attorney forms were placed on each level of the hospital. A one-week cafeteria multimedia presentation was displayed in February, along with a presentation by an educational speaker. Kent held grand rounds in March, an interactive session that included a panel of registered nurses, a bioethics committee member and the hospital’s legal counsel.

What is it?

Kent Hospital has integrated a variety of monthly advance directives initiatives. For example, in January, informative brochures and durable power of attorney forms were placed on each level of the hospital. A one-week cafeteria multimedia presentation was displayed in February, along with a presentation by an educational speaker. Kent held grand rounds in March, an interactive session that included a panel of registered nurses, a bioethics committee member and the hospital’s legal counsel.

Who is it for?

Community residents, hospital staff and patients.

Why do they do it?

It is imperative that a patient articulate medical requests so the desired treatment can be given. In addition, these instructions alleviate emotional burdens on family members and friends.

Impact

The greatest impact of this initiative is seen in the number of RI Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care forms distributed via the Patient Resource Library wall racks on each level of the hospital. From January 2011 to June 2011, 828 forms were distributed to hospital staff, patients and families.

Contact: Linda Eklof Read, MEd, RN
Education Specialist
Telephone: 401-737-7010, ext. 35172
E-mail: lread@kentri.org