What have you found to be the best way to initiate the conversation about hospice care and end of life issues with the family and patient?

Diseases:  
Diseases:  
Done
Emailz
1
Expert Answers

GabrielleGoldbergMD (Physician - Hospice / Palliative Care (Verified) ) - 03 / 26 / 2012

It is important that we have a common understanding of what hospice care is before answering this question. Hospice provides care for a patient who has a terminal diagnosis, with expectation of a prognosis of 6 months or less, and is usually no longer seeking curative treatment. Hospice focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting patients and is provided in the home, in a residential setting, or in the hospital. Another way of looking at it, is that hospice care provides palliative care for those approaching the last stages of life. I find that the best first step in addressing discussions about hospice with patients and families is to first understand what they know about their underlying diagnosis, their treatment options and how their illness is impacting their quality of life. I want to also understand what is most important to a patient and family when the prognosis is limited. Once I know what a patient and family hope to achieve and what is most important to them I can best help to guide treatment and make use of hospice services to help maximize their quality of life and help them to achieve their goals.
Join Now to ask a follow-up question or share your experience!
We'll help guide and support you through treatments.
Similar Questions
What do you recommend for long term cancer survivors - what's the best way to monitor and care for the radiated areas?
How do you communicate to a child about end of life and the concept of death?
For patients at the end of life, how do you approach and communicate with family members who hope for a miracle?
What treatment options are available for a cancer patient at the end of life experiencing nausea?
How do you deal with patients who do not address end of life issues due to stress and anxiety?
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Flag Content
Please explain why you are flagging this content. Thank you.
Cancel
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Ok
Give a 'Thank you' to
Cancel
Close
Talk About Health
Add Answer

Close
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Close
Subscribe to our free updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts!
Your Email:
Q&A Workshop Announcements
(Featured experts, answers, tips, & latest news.)
Q&A Workshop Summaries
(Answer summaries from our expert Q&A workshops.)
Best of TalkAboutHealth (weekly)
(The week's best answers, news & support.)
TalkAboutHealth Benefits
(Custom health, wellness & medical promotions from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities, & new programs.)

Partners become a partner

© Copyright 2013 - Talk About Health - Privacy Policy | Terms of Service