Final: Paliative Care Flashcards
What is palliative care?
an approach that improves quality of life for patients and families
-relief of suffering and improve QOL as much as possible
What is hospice?
A component of palliative care that occurs when life expectancy is measured at <6months
-improve QOL and pain relief to make passing as peaceful as possible
Who palliative care most suited for?
Those with most serious illnesses (cancers) that are chronic
What are the goals of palliative care?
Everyone has a sense of:
- who we are
- what we like to do
- Control we like to have
- goals for our lives
- things we hope for
What is the physicians role in palliative care?
Communicate well w patient
Assess patients goals
Treat based on goals
What is prognostication?
An aspect of clinical practice that serves to predict illness trajectories
What is medical frailty?
The combo of:
- unintentional weight loss
- weakness in grip strength
- self reported exhaustion
- Low physical activity
- Slowed gait speed
Picture a really old person
What should interventions be aimed at doing in someone with medical frailty?
Must identify degree of frailty and try to minimize symptoms and morbid conditions while not making it worse
What is double intent in palliative care?
It means we as physicians provide services that neither hasten or postpone death
–ie giving opioids for pain doesn’t kill the pt
What are the requirements of medicare hospice? (2) What are the other benefits? (3)
- Must be eligible for Medicare Part A
- Medical certification of survivability at most 6 months
- Pt can always withdrawal from hospice if in remission
- Helps with proxy choice
- Other covered benefits
What does medicare cover for hospice?
- Medical care: Physicians and nurses, meds, nutritional counseling, medicare aid
- Support for families: short term inpatient and respite care
What does medicare not cover for hospice?
Custodial care (living arrangements, facility placement) -can be very expensive
