Thread by @marklewismd

SERIOUS THREAD FROM A DOCTOR

It may be self-evident but if you get such respiratory distress from #COVIDー19 that you are placed on a ventilator, you will be unable to speak.

I know it’s hard but, as you gather with family, tell them what you would want done in that event.

1/

Designate a surrogate decision-maker (healthcare proxy).

Better yet, document your wishes through an advance directive.

@AARP has a very helpful website where you can find appropriate forms by state:
aarp.org/caregiving/fin…

2/

You can also complete a POLST form (Physician's Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment). This is not synonymous with an advance directive, and again varies from state to state.

You can learn more here:
polst.org/programs-in-yo…

3/

I know this sounds unspeakably morbid, and might invoke "death panel" rhetoric.

But, to the contrary, it positions physicians like me to honor YOUR autonomy when you are -- quite literally -- voiceless.

4/

This comes not from a place of cold, clinical calculation but rather from the most compassion I can muster as a doctor.

As a country we are facing together an unprecedented demand on our healthcare, and it should be apportioned as closely to individual wishes as possible.

5/

In closing, speak up while you can, ideally in writing.

I wish you the best of health, as well as meaningful conversations with your loved ones, in this respect and many others.

Please RT

🙏

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