What can be done to help achieve optimal end of life care?
The experts describe a current environment where assumptions and misunderstandings – between physician and patient, among specialists and within families – can replace informed discussion.
Given that lack of communication appears to be a major barrier to optimal end-of-life care, we’ve decided to launch a conversation.
We hope you will share your views.
Each “conversation” will bring you the views of experts in palliative and end-of-life care, as well as lessons learned from patients’ experiences.
Advance Care Planning is more than having a “Do Not Resuscitate” order in your medical file, or a narrow checklist of what care you do or don’t want. It’s a process over time of considering future health care and identifying your preferences.
Are physicians receiving the palliative care education necessary to provide quality end-of-life care?
What novel tools are being used to educate physicians on the complex nuances of palliative medicine?
Effective palliative care requires a broad multi-disciplinary approach, as each health-care professional involved has information the other needs to practise successfully. What can be done to facilitate effective collaborative practice among team members?
What is the role of family physicians in certifying death at home?
Negotiating care when either the physician or family believes that care is futile is a delicate process built upon respect of the patient and professional values. What can be done when there are discrepant values or goals of care between the team, patient, and/or family?