End of life wishes often unheeded
US- Anesthesiology News
A study, presented at the 2014 annual meeting of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, suggests an urgent need for standardised protocols for documenting patients’ wishes across the US, making them both easily accessible and legally binding.
Cognitive impairment common among community-dwelling and nursing home resident elderly nearing end of life
US- Health Canal
Advance care planning for older adults with dementia may be particularly important for individuals who do not reside in a nursing home or a long-term care facility, according to an article published in the April issue of Health Affairs.
Doctor’s specialty predicts feeding tube use
US- Health Canal
Subspecialists are much more likely than hospitalists or generalists to insert a feeding tube in hospitalised elderly patients with advanced dementia, according to a new study in Health Affairs. The study helps to explain why the practice persists in such frail, terminal patients.
Choosing Wisely: 5 things to avoid in pain management
US- Choosing Wisely
The American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) has issued its list of top five tests and therapies that should be avoided in treatment of chronic non-cancer pain.
‘The dying have a right not to know they are terminally ill’
UK- Daily Mail
A UK couple whose dying daughter ‘lost hope’ after being told she was terminally ill say patients have the right not to know their fate. They are campaigning for a ‘waiver’ so patients can opt-out of bad news.
Answers to tough questions about dying
New Old Age blog
A new web resource from the National Institutes of Health answers questions about death and dying. It takes on subjects from opiates to autopsies and is well-designed for older users, with brief, clearly written segments in large print.
Women pioneers in 19th century hospice care
End of Life Studies blog
Article about four women who were responsible for founding or inspiring the establishment of specific places to care for the dying in the 19th century.
New panel seeks to give nursing ‘global voice and vision’
Nursing Times
A new panel of international nurse leaders has been set up to establish a “global voice and vision” for the future of nursing that will advance world health.
Hospice community honours Its volunteers during National Volunteer Week
ehospice USA
During National Volunteer Week, 6 to 12 April, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization celebrates the work of all the dedicated hospice volunteers who provide support, companionship and dignity to patients and families being served by hospice.
UK mentors support Kenyan palliative care providers
ehospice Kenya
Palliative Care experts from the UK are supporting Kenyan palliative care providers through mentorship.
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