Journal of palliative medicine
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Early patient-physician care planning discussions may influence the intensity of end-of-life (EOL) care received by veterans with advanced cancer. ⋯ Early care planning discussions are associated with lower rates of acute care use at the EOL in a system with already low rates of intensive EOL care.
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Comparative Study
Patient-Nurse Communication about Prognosis and End-of-Life Care.
Although several studies advise that discussions about prognosis and end-of-life care should be held throughout the whole heart failure (HF) trajectory, data is lacking on the prevalence and practice of such discussions in HF care. ⋯ Currently, patient-nurse communication about prognosis and end-of-life care does not seem to be routine in patient education in HF clinics, and these discussions could be included more often. The reasons for nurses to discuss these topics were related to clinical routines, the patient's situation, and professional responsibilities. To improve future care, communication with patients needs to be further developed.