Care received at end of life varies drastically by state

New data comparing Oregon to Washington and rest of country show complexity of care near end of life

By Ariane Le Chevallier March 15, 2017 Portland, Ore.

Co-author Joan Teno, M.D., M.S. (University of Washington)

Oregon residents Pat and Jimmy Duty used the POLST Program to help ensure Jimmy's end-of-life wishes after he became ill in 2013. (Family photo)

Oregon residents, Pat and Jimmy Duty, used the POLST Program to help ensure Jimmy's end-of-life wishes after he became ill in 2013. (Family photo)

A Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form.

(OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Timeline of Oregon's Initiatives (OHSU)

Dr. Susan Tolle talks about the New England Journal of Medicine findings about end-of-life care.