A. A surgery is unnecessary if it does not have a clear advantage over a less risky alternative. It occurs when an operation does not represent a greater benefit to the patient and he or she will not be better off. … Read More
Many patients with serious illness experience shortness of breath, a symptom that health care professionals call “dyspnea.” Dyspnea can be very frightening to patients and their families. There are literally hundreds of reasons why someone may feel short-of-breath, some more serious than others. The most common causes are due to a problem in the lungs such as pneumonia, bronchitis or emphysema. But problems in other organs including the heart, kidneys or liver can also lead to the sensation that it is hard to breathe. Examples of other common problems that can lead to shortness of breath include anxiety, panic attacks, anemia and even constipation. … Read More
Pain can enter your life for various reasons. Perhaps you have had pain for brief periods due to surgery or an accident – or maybe your pain is more chronic in nature, due to back problems, diabetes or arthritis. … Read More
The Intensive Care Unit can be an intimidating place for families and loved ones. If your loved one is in the ICU, ask for a family meeting. The team will meet with your family to discuss the condition and care of your loved one. … Read More
Many patients facing serious illness suffer from extremely distressing symptoms. Sometimes the only way to provide relief is through sedation. Learn answers to some of the most basic and commonly asked questions.
A: Palliative sedation is a way to minimize pain in seriously ill patients that cannot be relieved in any other way. An infusion of a sedating drug is provided to a point where the person appears to be comfortable and the distressing symptoms are relieved. … Read More
Quality of life issues are getting such focus in medicine these days that it’s easy to assume things were always this way. They weren’t. Patient-centered care was uncommon in most hospital settings even a decade ago. In the final part of my interview with Dr. Diane Meier, we talk further about the role of palliative care in medicine both now and in the future.
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Dr. Diane E. Meier is Director of the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC,) a national organization devoted to increasing the number and quality of palliative care programs in the United States.
In this video, Dr. Meier discusses 10 important steps in palliative care from over a decade of research. This video will serve as a valuable training tool and guide for medical professionals and their families.
Under her leadership the number of palliative care programs in U.S. hospitals has more than doubled in the last 5 years.
This project was inspired by the extraordinary spirit and legacy of countless children with severe illness and disability and their families. It is also a testament to the compassion and dedication of palliative care team members who have helped the families navigate the complexities of care.
The goal of this film is to increase awareness and understanding of pediatric palliative care. It showcases what care can be and should be for every family facing these challenges. The program at Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio, is presented as a model of care that can be successfully developed and sustained in communities and pediatric hospitals across the country.
The film is appropriate for current and future health care professionals, educators, health care administrators, legislators and the community.
To order the DVD, fill out the order form and return, along with payment information to:
•Email: [email protected]
•Fax: 330.325.5903
•Mail: Office of Palliative Care, NEOMED, St. Rt. 44, PO Box 95, Rootstown, Ohio 44272
For more information, please contact:
Office of Palliative Care
330.325.6360 or 330.325.6359
The mere mention of “Morphine” can be enough to conjure up all sorts of negative thoughts in patients and their family members. Some people may be afraid of becoming a drug addict while others may think that only people who are ready to die should take Morphine. Doctors, too, can be afraid of using Morphine (and similar drugs), largely due to misinformation and lack of training. … Read More
The term Quality of Life is often used at a time when patients, families and health care professionals are trying to understand the impact of a serious illness. … Read More
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