Journal of palliative medicine
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Palliative care in Thailand was not well established in the past, but it is better supported by many organizations at present. Despite the change in the situation, the availability of essential drugs for palliative care has not been well studied. ⋯ LH and PH have better overall nonopioid and opioid medication availability than CH and GH.
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This study describes progression to death for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). ⋯ Five typical illness trajectories have been described for patients with progressive heart failure. The needs of patients and their caregivers are likely to vary according to the trajectory patients are following. Contrary to reports in the literature about unexpected death in patients with CHF, the majority of decedents in our study had a predictable and gradual progression toward death. Recognizing these trajectories may help clinicians implement an appropriate plan to meet the needs of patients and their caregivers.