Hearing may indeed be the last sense to go, hospice study finds
New evidence suggests that unresponsive patients’ brains react to sound and that they might be able to hear what clinicians and family are saying.
End-Of-Life Care
First national LTC group endorses nationwide end-of-life care form
The first national organization to officially endorse the adoption of a national Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form has emerged.
Diabetes overtreated in older adults at end of life, study finds
Diabetes appears to be overtreated in nearly 44% of recently admitted VA nursing home residents, including those with limited life expectancy and/or advanced dementia.
Using DNR orders and life-years to decide crisis care rationing is unethical, physician group asserts
Resource allocation based on diagnosis, perceived social worth, or predicted life expectancy erodes trust and fairness, say the doctors.
Deprescribe these drugs in elders with life-limiting illness, expert says
There’s just not enough evidence to justify the use of certain medications when treating these residents, writes the past president of the American Geriatrics Society.
More screening for loneliness needed in vulnerable end-of-life stage, clinical experts stress
Lonely older adults are unduly burdened by health symptoms and receive more intensive end-of-life care than their non-lonely peers.
Clinical Briefs for Thursday, February 6
‘Normal’ resting heart rate varies greatly between individuals … New BiPAP therapy for COPD may reduce risk of intubation, ER visits … End-of-life care supports a ‘good death’ for patients with dementia and cancer
Clinical Briefs for Wednesday, November 13
Flu shot may protect heart bypass patients during recovery … New device can “spray paint” drug-imbued fiber bandages on wounds … Less affluent patients more likely to be discharged to SNF after hip replacement … Project that fulfills end-of-life wishes found to be affordable, sustainable
Address signs of depression at end of life, say researchers
Many individuals experience depression in their last months alive. Researchers are calling for attention to the problem – and non-pharmacologic care.
Do you believe in miracles? The answer can affect palliative care
Religiosity is not a significant factor in caregivers’ palliative care choices except in one area: belief in miracles, say theologians and scientists.
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