Introduction and Scope of the Problem Prognostication—the process of addressing “what to expect” for an individual’s disease course—is essential for meaningful decision making at all stages of serious illness. Estimating prognosis is most commonly applied to estimating life expectancy, but…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem Many people faced with a life-threatening illness wonder what the last hours to days of their life will entail. They may express concerns that their symptoms will be difficult to control or that they…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem Delirium is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by an acute change in consciousness, attention, and cognition, with a tendency to fluctuate through the course of a day. It is defined in the 5th edition of…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem The word delirium is derived from the Latin term meaning “off track.” Delirium has many descriptors, including acute confusion, altered mental status, sundowning, intensive care unit (ICU) psychosis, organic psychosis, acute brain failure, toxic…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem The very nature of the terms “physician-assisted suicide,” “physician aid in dying,” and “medical aid in dying” may evoke strong feelings from opponents as well as advocates who would wish to focus this evidence…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem This chapter focuses on anxiety and fear in patients with serious illness and those facing the end of life. If left untreated, anxiety and fear may lead to poor care outcomes and prognoses. In…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem Depression is a profoundly distressing emotional experience, both for patients and family members. In the setting of serious illness, it is amplified by physical symptoms, fear of dying, family distress, and grief. Depression impairs…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem Artificial nutrition (AN) and artificial hydration (AH) are umbrella terms that describe medical interventions for patients who are unable to eat and need alternative means of obtaining nutrition or fluids. These interventions can be…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem Cachexia is a term commonly understood by health care professionals. It describes a condition characterized by the presence of involuntary weight loss and culminating in a state of emaciation. Until recently, no agreement had…
Introduction and Scope of the Problem The onset of involuntary weight loss is often the first clinical sign of the presence of malignant disease. In cancers that are incurable by currently available therapies, significant weight loss can be seen in…