Journal of palliative medicine
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End-of-life (EoL) care after geriatric burns (geri-burns) is understudied. ⋯ The vast majority of geri-burn deaths on our burn service occur after a discussion about EoL care. The timing of these discussions is driven by magnitude of injury, and it does not lead to higher proportions of an immediate decision for comfort care. The presence and timing of EoL discussions bears further study as a quality metric for geri-burn EoL care.
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Little is known about optimal palliative and end-of-life care for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIs/ANs). ⋯ Heterogeneity of study types, population, and small sample sizes makes it hard to draw broad conclusions regarding the best way to care for AIs/ANs. More studies are needed to assess this important topic.
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Oncologists are often reluctant to discuss life-expectancy estimates with their patients because of concerns about their inaccuracy and limited evidence regarding benefits. ⋯ Oncologists are able to estimate their patients' life expectancy to within a year. Accuracy to within a year is associated with higher rates of DNR order completion, advance care planning, and lower likelihood of chemotherapy use near death.