Rutland Regional Medical Center - Advance Directive Explainer

What is it?

In 2012, the Rutland Community Health Team started an Advance Directive (AD) Explainer program that uses trained hospital volunteers to facilitate the completion and filing of ADs for healthy adults. Program volunteers navigate the process, explain the forms, help clients express their wishes and file with the Vermont Advance Directive Directory, a web-based database that supports electronic access for providers. Volunteers also increase awareness about the importance of planning and documenting end-of-life choices.

Who is it for?

Self and provider-based referrals in the Rutland Regional service area.

Why do they do it?

The foundation of Vermont’s Blueprint for Health and development of Community Health Teams is to provide patient-centered care. Advance directives allow patients to plan the care they want in situations where they cannot speak for themselves.

Impact

During the fiscal year ending September 2015, the four trained AD explainer volunteers, who work three to four hours per week, addressed more than 300 referrals.

Contact: Debbie Schoch
Volunteer Services Manager
Telephone: 802-747-3857
Email: dschoch@rrmc.org