Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST)

MOST stands for:  Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment.

In an emergency or urgent situation, if you are unable to express your wishes, a MOST will help ensure your health care treatment aligns with your wishes. Completed by the Most Responsible Practitioner (MRP), A MOST is based on Advance Care Planning and conversations with a capable adult about their goals of care - or if the adult is incapable, their Substitute Decision Maker (SDM).

Watch the video below to see an example of the conversations and steps your loved ones might have with you in getting a Medical Scope of Treatment done with support from your caregivers. (To get the closed captioning to appear, click "CC" on the on the bottom right hand side of the video, and then choose "English" before playing).  

Is a MOST right for me?

A MOST is an option for all adults. However, it is especially important for adults with an advancing illness or chronic condition that is life limiting or life threatening. Even if you have a MOST, you will always be asked to provide direction for your health care as long as you are capable.

How is a MOST determined?

The decision to create a MOST arises out of conversations with your health care providers, family and loved ones about:

• Advance Care Planning (ACP) - your wishes and goals of care for future health care
• Current and future treatment options available to you
• Your health conditions and prognosis

Following these conversations, your doctor or nurse practitioner will complete a MOST to guide other members of the health care team in case of a medical emergency.

Talk to your health care provider

Talking with your health care provider can help you understand your choices and plan for what is best for you. 

Some questions to consider asking your health care provider:

• How might my illness progress?
• What treatment decisions might I have to make in the future?
• What are the possible complications I might experience with my illness, and what are the possible treatments?
• What are the risks and benefits of certain medical interventions I might receive (for example; cardiopulmonary resuscitation)?

For more information on MOST and how to prepare for these conversations, please see the MOST brochure or watch the video.

Information for health care providers

Are you a health care provider looking for additional information and resources? Please visit the MOST Information for Health Care Providers web page.