Hospice & Palliative Medicine
From the Journals
Palliative care programs continue growth in U.S. hospitals
Almost three-quarters of hospitals have a program, but “geography is destiny” for patients.
From the Journals
Don’t delay palliative care for IPF patients
The sharp decline in quality of life in IPF patients is similar to that seen in lung cancer patients, in contrast to the more gradual trend seen...
From the Journals
Advance care planning codes not being used
Few physicians are taking advantage of Medicare payment codes that reimburse them for discussing end-of-life planning with patients.
Latest News
Palliative care has improved for critically ill children, but challenges remain
SAN DIEGO – The availability of palliative care for critically ill children varies across institutions
Feature
Palliative care update highlights role of nonspecialists
The latest guideline revision aims to establish a foundation for “gold-standard” palliative care.
From the Journals
Antipsychotic drugs failed to shorten ICU delirium
The mechanisms of brain dysfunction targeted by antipsychotics may not play a major role in delirium.
From the Journals
Better ICU staff communication with family may improve end-of-life choices
Latest News
Medicare hospital deaths decline, hospice usage increases
During 2000-2015, Medicare recipients became less likely to die in hospitals.
Conference Coverage
Palliative care may reduce suicide among lung cancer patients
Most patients who died by suicide had not received palliative care.
From the Journals
Prompt palliative care cut hospital costs in pooled study
Average cost savings per hospital admission were $3,237 overall and were even greater for cancer patients.