One of the advances of modern medical technology has been the creation of therapies to sustain life. These therapies, such as artificial nutrition and hydration, mechanical ventilation, dialysis, and cardiopulmonary…
Chronic cutaneous wounds often are complex, recalcitrant to healing, and may not follow a predictable trajectory of repair despite standard interventions. The exact mechanisms that contribute to poor wound healing…
The opening quote from the Institute of Medicine stands in stark contrast to the reality that dying can be the last great time of living. Sadly, multiple studies have confirmed…
Approaches to grief for bereaved family members are an important focus of theoretical, empirical, and clinical work in palliative care. However, it is essential also to focus on the experiences…
As an individual’s illness progresses, family members play an increased role in caregiving and decision making. In the effort to manage changing care needs and maximize their loved one’s quality…
Urinary incontinence is a relatively common problem seen in patients at the end of life, but the exact prevalence is not clear. Studies of symptom prevalence at the end of…
Constipation is sometimes regarded as a minor symptom by care providers. However, this is not the case with palliative care patients. The prevalence of constipation in the overall population varies…
Cachexia is a complex syndrome with loss of muscle mass as its prominent feature. It occurs in many disease states, such as cancer, chronic infections (human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], tuberculosis),…
