Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · Apr 2014
A survey of prognosis discussions held by health-care providers who request palliative care consultation.
Patient misunderstandings about prognosis may be related to lack of communication. ⋯ The results of this study highlight the uncertainty that primary team providers in the academic hospital environment have with prognostication, which is a complex process for which this set of providers, composed primarily of medical trainees and nurses, may not have had sufficient training.
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Palliative medicine · Apr 2014
The development and piloting of the REnal specific Advanced Communication Training (REACT) programme to improve Advance Care Planning for renal patients.
In recent years, the End-Stage Kidney Disease population has increased and is ever more frail, elderly and co-morbid. A care-focused approach needs to be incorporated alongside the disease focus, to identify those who are deteriorating and improve communication about preferences and future care. Yet many renal professionals feel unprepared for such discussions. ⋯ There is a need to improve end-of-life care for End-Stage Kidney Disease patients, to enable them to make informed decisions about future care. Challenges include prioritising communication training among service providers.