OHSU's Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine
breakthrough research leads to new standards of care and a better understanding of
important issues involving emergency medicine, disaster preparedness,
and toxicology. The Center partners with policy-makers on all levels identifying and enhancing emergency healthcare issues facing our community, our state and our nation.
As part of the state Legislature's health care reform package, Oregon has launched the nation's first 24-hour electronic registry for the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) program. The purpose of the registry is to ensure that in all cases — especially in emergency situations — medical personnel can obtain quick and accurate information about a patient's health care wishes.
"The Oregon POLST Registry, a partnership between OHSU and the Oregon Health Authority, will be a great opportunity for EMTs and paramedics around the state to honor patient preferences when patients cannot speak for themselves and the paper POLST form cannot be found," said Ritu Sahni, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of Oregon Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems.
