Palliative Care

Question 1

What is the goal of palliative care?

Answer 1

to improve the quality of life for patients and their families

Question 2

What are three aspects of palliative care?

Answer 2

Team Approach

Enhance QOL

Apply early in the course of an illness

Question 3

What are four areas of symptomatology that palliative care should address?

Answer 3

Pain

Breathlessness

General (n/v/d, weight loss)

Fatigue

Question 4

What are the five areas of negotiating goals of care?

Answer 4

1. Assess the disaese, expectations
2. Explore goals, QOL
3. Create open and honest communication
4. Plan for patient autonomy and dignity

5, Review ongoing changes and QOL

Question 5

What is prognostication?

Answer 5

an aspect of clinical practice that serves to predict illness trajectories

Uses validated tools, clinical experience and evidence-based medicine

Question 6

what are the benefits of prognostication?

Answer 6

Gives good framework for making informed decisions

Provides opportunity for life-care planning

Question 7

Are the majority of physicians comfortable with prognostication?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

Why is it important to understand medical frailty?

Answer 8

Quantifying frailty allows physicians to identify futile interventions that will not alleviate symptoms and could worsen cognitiion and function

Question 9

What hospice services are covered by Medicare?

Answer 9

Doctors/nurses

Supplies

Prescriptions

Nutritional counseling

Hospice Aide

Short term inpatient or respite care

DOES NOT cover custodial care

Question 10

how does a patient qualify for Medicare hospice benefits?

Answer 10

Eligible for medicare part A

Have a terminal illness with 6 months or less survivability

Requires designated health care proxy

Must recieve hospice from Medicare-apprived program