Hospice & Palliative Medicine
Highlights
New developments and barriers to palliative care
The need for palliative care in the United States is projected to grow significantly in the next decades.
From the Journals
Hiccups in patients with cancer often overlooked, undertreated
When poorly controlled, persistent hiccups can affect a patient's quality of life.
Feature
When too much treatment creates more harm than good
Some aggressive end-of-life care is associated with lower quality of life for patients, poorer bereavement for families.
Latest News
Doc accused of killing 14 patients found not guilty
The trial raised the specific issue of what constitutes a medically justifiable dose of opioid painkillers during the end-of-life procedure known...
From the Journals
ILD progression, not diagnosis, triggers palliative care
“There is often a lack of preparedness for death by both patients and providers, contributing to increased distress.”
Latest News
Doc accused of killing 14 patients in the ICU: Upcoming trial notes patient safety lapses
Patient safety experts say that this could have happened at many U.S. hospitals.
Feature
Black-owned hospice seeks to bring greater ease in dying to Black families
Tennessee data shows that in Nashville just 19% of hospice patients are Black, although they make up 27% of the capital city’s population.
Latest News
One doctor’s psychedelic journey to confront his cancer
After psilocybin treatment, a person with cancer is often better able to talk about death and loss than their loved ones.
Feature
Electrocuted by 11,000 volts, now a triple amputee ... and an MD
“I had to believe that I deserved this love, that I wanted to be alive, and that there was still something here for me.”
From the Journals
Sharp decrease in opioid access for dying U.S. cancer patients
There was a 34% reduction in the number of opioid prescriptions filled per patient and a 38% reduction in the total dose of opioids filled near...
News
Hospitalists play key role in advance care planning
It’s important to distinguish advance care planning from advance directives.