Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Question 1

What are some very simple ways to help patients feel validated?

Answer 1

Look them in the eye (don’t just stare at your screen);
call them by their name;
sit;
allow them time to speak

Question 2

Why should you never cancel on a patient for imaging or a procedure unless absolutely necessary?

Answer 2

They’ve likely been stressing about their procedure and/or imaging and/or results.

Any delay only extends that stress

Question 3

Are palliative and end-of-life care synonymous?

Answer 3

Not at all. Palliative care can be involved in most any field as ‘symptom management’

Question 4

What is the purpose of palliative care?

Answer 4

Symptom management; QoL maintenance/improvement

Question 5

What is the purpose of hospice care?

Answer 5

Non-curative treatment for those with a terminal illness and ≤ 6 months to live

Question 6

Who pays for palliative care?

Who pays for hospice care?

Answer 6

Self or insurance;

Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance

Question 7

Can one graduate from hospice care?

Answer 7

Yes! Some patients do recover

Question 8

What is the most effective health regimen ever developed?

Answer 8

Simple diet and exercise