Journal of palliative medicine
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Palliative care was officially recognized by the World Health Organization in 1990 as a distinct specialty dedicated to relieving suffering and improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Journal of Palliative Medicine (JPM) was founded in 1997 in response to the need for a scientifically rigorous peer-reviewed journal to advance the field. In our first quarter of the century, JPM has become a leading global peer-reviewed scientific journal. ⋯ Although implementation science is of paramount importance, the barriers to implementation of this growing body of specialized knowledge lie not just with the need for more science. Some of the barriers lie within our field. The way forward requires confidence in what we know and the establishment of new collaborations outside of our field, including with people outside of traditional health care.
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Various assertions have been made regarding why eligibility for medical assistance in dying (MAiD) should be expanded. Examining these and the studies used to support them should clear the way for thoughtful data monitoring and research into why some patients make death hastening requests. This will not only improve MAiD practices in Canada, but will lead to better more effective palliative care for patients whose suffering leads them to covet death.