Tag

Palliative Care

All articles tagged with #palliative care

world12 days ago•3 min saved

Berlin doctor jailed for 15 patient killings in widening serial-murder probe

A 41-year-old German palliative-care doctor was found guilty of murdering 15 patients (12 women and 3 men) between 2021 and 2024 by administering lethal drug combinations during home visits and attempting to cover his tracks with fires; he was sentenced to life imprisonment and given a lifetime ban from practicing medicine, with prosecutors investigating dozens more possible victims that could make this one of Germany's worst serial-murder cases.

via BBC|

#germany #investigation #life-imprisonment

health1 month ago•10 min saved

Caring for Africa’s Aging Nuns: A New Pact for End-of-Life Support

In Uganda, aging members of the Little Sisters of St. Francis face without adequate end‑of‑life care—scarce medical supplies, few wheelchairs, and little psychological support. A pilot program, started with the African Palliative Care Association and Irish donors, will assess about 50 retired nuns, provide hospice-style care, and train caregivers, with aims to expand to Ugandan convents by 2027 and then across Africa. The effort seeks roughly $135,000 to cover material needs and training, highlighting gendered gaps in church-backed care and the call to honor decades of service with dignified support in old age.

via NPR|

#aging-nuns #caregiver-training #fundraising

health2 months ago•6 min saved

Bedside Blink Test Signals Hours Remaining in End-of-Life Care

A study of 112 hospice patients with advanced cancer found that absence of the corneal reflex strongly predicts death within 24 hours (about 70.7% mortality within 24 hours for those with no reflex, and higher risk in deeply sedated patients), suggesting the reflex can aid bedside prognosis when used with existing tools like the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale; however, it is not definitive and requires broader validation across settings.

via Indian Defence Review|

#bedside-assessment #corneal-reflex #health

healthcare6 months ago•4 min saved

Hospitals Warn of End-of-Life Care Crisis Threatening Treatment

A crisis in end-of-life care is emerging in Sussex hospitals due to increasing numbers of patients needing palliative care, leading to overcrowded hospitals, difficult decisions for staff, and strained community and hospice services, with concerns that this situation could worsen during winter.

via BBC|

#end-of-life-care #healthcare #hospital-crisis

health9 months ago•11 min saved

End-of-Life Workers Challenge Common Myths About Death

End-of-life workers highlight common misconceptions about death, emphasizing that the physical process is often misunderstood, that family fears about starvation and medication are usually unfounded, and that planning and open conversations about death can improve the experience. They stress that death is a natural part of life, not something to be controlled or feared, and that understanding these realities can help us process grief and approach mortality with more acceptance.

via BuzzFeed|

#death #end-of-life #health

health1 year ago•4 min saved

A Patient's Perspective on Radiation Therapy Experience

The article provides a personal account of undergoing radiation therapy for metastatic Ewing’s sarcoma, highlighting the process, the supportive team at Sibley Memorial Hospital, and the importance of small interactions in patient care, emphasizing that radiation can be an effective and less taxing treatment option for pain relief and disease management.

via The Washington Post|

#cancer-treatment #health #medical-teamwork

health-and-wellness1 year ago•6 min saved

What Happens to Your Body During the Dying Process

The article explains that death is a natural bodily process with stages like transition, active dying, and terminal secretions, emphasizing that understanding these stages can reduce fear and improve end-of-life experiences. It highlights the importance of 'death literacy'—knowing what to expect—to help people face death with less anxiety and more acceptance.

via The Guardian|

#death-literacy #death-process #dying-stages

health1 year ago•6 min saved

UK Moves Closer to Legalizing Assisted Dying Amid Calls for Palliative Care Reform

Senior doctors in the UK are urging the government to prioritize fixing the palliative care system before advancing legislation on assisted dying, which recently passed its first parliamentary hurdle. Concerns have been raised that funding for assisted dying could detract from palliative care resources, which are already insufficient. The debate highlights the need for improved end-of-life care, with calls for a government-led commission to address the issue. While some MPs believe assisted dying could enhance palliative care, others worry about potential neglect of vulnerable patients.

via BBC.com|

#assisted-dying #end-of-life-care #health

health1 year ago•5 min saved

UK Parliament Advances Controversial Assisted Dying Legislation

The UK Parliament has moved closer to legalizing assisted dying for terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, following a supportive vote by MPs. The bill, which requires approval from two doctors and a judge, aims to provide a choice for those suffering from severe pain, like Elise Burns, who supports the bill. However, opponents like Nik Ward express concerns about its implications for vulnerable individuals and the need for improved palliative care. The bill still requires further votes before becoming law.

via BBC.com|

#assisted-dying #health #palliative-care

health1 year ago•3 min saved

Assisted Dying Advocate Reflects on Impact of Quality Care on Life Choices

Jean Truchon, a key figure in Canada's assisted dying laws, revealed he might have chosen to live if he had received adequate home care, raising concerns about the country's approach to medical assistance in dying (MAiD). The case has sparked debate over whether patients are opting for assisted death due to insufficient care options, with experts warning of a "dangerous precedent." The situation also resonates in the UK, where similar issues in palliative care are influencing discussions on legalizing assisted dying.

via The Telegraph|

#assisted-dying #canada #disabilities

health-and-family2 years ago•3 min saved

Parents Share Heartbreak After Baby Dies from Rare Skin Disorder

A Boston mother, Erin Jean, shares her heartbreak after losing her two-month-old son, Felix, to epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare genetic condition causing painful skin blisters and peeling. Despite efforts to manage his condition, Felix's parents decided on palliative care due to his deteriorating quality of life. Felix passed away at home, surrounded by family. Erin and her husband, Travis, are now focused on keeping Felix's memory alive for their other children and credit non-profit Debra and Mass General medics for their support.

via Daily Mail|

#epidermolysis-bullosa #family-grief #health-and-family

health2 years ago•2 min saved

"Early Palliative Care Essential for Advanced Cancer, Say Top Oncologists"

The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends early palliative care for all patients with advanced cancer to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and potentially prolong survival. Palliative care supports patients and caregivers, helps maintain treatment adherence, and is covered by most insurance. It is essential for anyone with serious illnesses, not just cancer.

via ABC News|

#advanced-cancer #american-society-of-clinical-oncology #health

health2 years ago•7 min saved

"How to Ensure You Receive the End-of-Life Care You Desire"

Many people do not receive the end-of-life care they desire due to a lack of communication and understanding about available options like palliative care and hospice. Karen Lutfey Spencer, PhD, shares lessons from her personal experience and research, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's own observations, proactively discussing end-of-life care early, and educating oneself about care options to ensure quality of life and alignment with personal priorities.

via Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper|

#end-of-life-care #health #hospice

healthcare2 years ago•5 min saved

"Reconsidering Chemotherapy for Terminal Cancer: Should Doctors Say No?"

Oncologists often face the dilemma of whether to continue offering chemotherapy to cancer patients, even when the chances of success are slim. Data shows that a significant percentage of patients receive chemotherapy close to the end of life, despite potential negative impacts on quality and duration of life. While optimism and the desire to help patients may drive this practice, it raises ethical questions about the benefits and harms of such treatments. Balancing hope with realistic expectations, open communication, and consideration of palliative care are crucial in guiding patients and their families through these difficult decisions.

via The Washington Post|

#cancer #chemotherapy #end-of-life-care

health2 years ago•2 min saved

"Jimmy Carter Celebrates One Year in Home Hospice Care"

Former President Jimmy Carter has been in hospice care for a year, choosing to spend his remaining time at home with family. Despite his situation, experts note that his decision is not unusual and that earlier referrals for hospice care can lead to better outcomes for patients. Carter, who turned 99 in October, continues to spend time with family and watch baseball games. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, passed away in November after being diagnosed with dementia.

via USA TODAY|

#cancer #former-president #health