Palliative medicine
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Palliative medicine · May 2016
ReviewDoes facilitated Advance Care Planning reduce the costs of care near the end of life? Systematic review and ethical considerations.
While there is increasing evidence that Advance Care Planning has the potential to strengthen patient autonomy and improve quality of care near the end of life, it remains unclear whether it could also reduce net costs of care. ⋯ The limited data indicate net cost savings may be realised with Advance Care Planning. Methodologically robust trials with clearly defined Advance Care Planning interventions are needed to make the costs and returns of Advance Care Planning transparent.
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Palliative medicine · May 2016
ReviewDoes the use of specialist palliative care services modify the effect of socioeconomic status on place of death? A systematic review.
Cancer patients in lower socioeconomic groups are significantly less likely to die at home and experience more barriers to access to palliative care. It is unclear whether receiving palliative care may mediate the effect of socioeconomic status on place of death. ⋯ There is some evidence to suggest that use of specialist palliative care may modify the effect of socioeconomic status on place of death.