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TPOPP program can make end-of-life care decisions easier

People’s natural aversion to discussing dying only makes it harder on their loved ones and caregivers whenever the end of life approaches. Credit the Medical Society of Sedgwick County, Via Christi Health and Wesley Medical Center for their partnership promoting some simple paperwork that can provide both guidance and peace of mind. Their Transportable Physician Orders for Patient Preferences program is recommended for patients with advanced, chronic, progressive or terminal illness and others who’d like to define their end-of-life preferences beyond an advance directive. “When we all talk about it, it gets easier,” said Carolyn Harrison, chairwoman of the TPOPP steering committee. The program will be part of the discussion after a free screening of “Being Mortal,” a documentary film that features Atul Gawande, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Wichita State University’s Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 29th Street North and Oliver. – Rhonda Holman

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