- Recognize the value of assessing and incorporating goals of care in the treatment of patients with advanced disease in the Emergency Department (ED).
- Learn the common causes of and symptomatic treatments for dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer.
- Learn techniques and resources available to handle family conflicts that arise in the care of patients near end of life.
- Understand options for effective disposition of patients near end of life from the ED.
Palliative Care: “The active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Control of pain, of other symptoms, and of psychological, social and spiritual problems, is paramount. The goal of palliative care is achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families. Many aspects of palliative care are also applicable earlier in the course of the illness in conjunction with anti-cancer treatment.”
World Health Organization, 1990