The Best Care Possible

The Best Care Possible PDF Author: Ira Byock
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1583335129
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 338

Get Book Here

Book Description
A doctor on the front lines of hospital care illuminates one of the most important and controversial social issues of our time. It is harder to die in this country than ever before. Though the vast majority of Americans would prefer to die at home—which hospice care provides—many of us spend our last days fearful and in pain in a healthcare system ruled by high-tech procedures and a philosophy to “fight disease and illness at all cost.” Dr. Ira Byock, one of the foremost palliative-care physicians in the country, argues that how we die represents a national crisis today. To ensure the best possible elder care, Dr. Byock explains we must not only remake our healthcare system but also move beyond our cultural aversion to thinking about death. The Best Care Possible is a compelling meditation on medicine and ethics told through page-turning life-or-death medical drama. It has the power to lead a new national conversation.

The Best Care Possible

The Best Care Possible PDF Author: Ira Byock
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1583335129
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 338

Get Book Here

Book Description
A doctor on the front lines of hospital care illuminates one of the most important and controversial social issues of our time. It is harder to die in this country than ever before. Though the vast majority of Americans would prefer to die at home—which hospice care provides—many of us spend our last days fearful and in pain in a healthcare system ruled by high-tech procedures and a philosophy to “fight disease and illness at all cost.” Dr. Ira Byock, one of the foremost palliative-care physicians in the country, argues that how we die represents a national crisis today. To ensure the best possible elder care, Dr. Byock explains we must not only remake our healthcare system but also move beyond our cultural aversion to thinking about death. The Best Care Possible is a compelling meditation on medicine and ethics told through page-turning life-or-death medical drama. It has the power to lead a new national conversation.

Care at the Close of Life: Evidence and Experience

Care at the Close of Life: Evidence and Experience PDF Author: Stephen J. McPhee
Publisher: Mcgraw-hill
ISBN: 9780071637954
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 616

Get Book Here

Book Description
From one of the world’s leading medical journals comes the definitive evidence-based, full-color guide to end-of-life and palliative care "...represents an important milestone in the evolution of care for people with advanced disease—-for which its editors and authors and JAMA should be rightly proud. It is wonderful that JAMA had the foresight to publish a series on this topic, which, as medicine has become more technologically advanced and subspecialized, is often overlooked and, sometimes worse, avoided....this book will be invaluable for front-line clinicians, and indeed all health care practitioners—as care at the close of life is a part of almost all of medicine’s specialties and settings."--Irene J. Higginson, BMBS, PhD, FPPHM, FRCP; Dept. of Palliative Care, Policy, & Rehabilitation; Cicely Saunders Institute; King's College London (from the foreword) A new addition to the JAMAevidence series, Care at the Close of Life: Evidence and Experience offers evidence-based and clinical expert guidance on caring for patients with life-limiting illness, incorporating the words and perspectives of affected patients, their families, and treating clinicians. Organized by these actual clinical cases, the book is based on the acclaimed 7-year series of 42 articles, originally published in JAMA as “Perspectives on Care at the Close of Life,” and now thoroughly updated as chapters and featuring extensive never-before-published material. Care at the Close of Life covers are a wide range of clinical syndromes, disease processes, communication challenges, health-care delivery settings, and issues faced by patients, including withdrawal of dialysis and other life-sustaining measures, cross-cultural approaches, and the role of chemotherapy. Throughout the book, emphasis is on the principles of palliative care, with the patient and family at the center of care, and with attention given to all problems—physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. Reflecting this focus, each chapter begins with a patient case study to introduce the clinical problem, followed by “perspectives” that draw on extensive, real-world dialogue between clinicians, patients, and families. Internationally renowned authors then review the typical challenges illustrated by the case, offering state-of-the-art, evidence-based assessment and treatment approaches. Features Fully revised and updated text with new evidence and references, including the search methodology for each chapter’s update Evidence-based orientation presents the current state of knowledge in the care of terminally ill patients and support for their families and caregivers Practical clinical guidance and approaches from international experts in palliative care Self-assessment Q&A, for reinforcing your knowledge of each chapter’s content and for preparing for exams A useful Glossary of acronyms, terms, and tests Updated Resources for each chapter offer current, authoritative sources of diagnostic and treatment information that can help you optimize palliative care Medline PubMed ID numbers facilitate quick, convenient access to references

Clinical Implications of the Psychoanalyst's Life Experience

Clinical Implications of the Psychoanalyst's Life Experience PDF Author: Steven Kuchuck
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1134702965
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 286

Get Book Here

Book Description
2015 Gradiva Award Winner Clinical Implications of the Psychoanalyst’s Life Experience explores how leaders in the fields of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy address the phenomena of the psychoanalyst’s personal life and psychology. In this edited book, each author describes pivotal childhood and adult life events and crises that have contributed to personality formation, personal and professional functioning, choices of theoretical positions, and clinical technique. By expanding psychoanalytic study beyond clinical theory and technique to include a more careful examination of the psychoanalyst’s life events and other subjective phenomena, readers will have an opportunity to focus on specific ways in which these events and crises affect the tenor of the therapist’s presence in the consulting room, and how these occurrences affect clinical choices. Chapters cover a broad range of topics including illness, adoption, sexual identity and experience, trauma, surviving the death of one’s own analyst, working during 9/11, cross cultural issues, growing up in a communist household, and other family dynamics. Throughout, Steven Kuchuck (ed) shows how contemporary psychoanalysis teaches that it is only by acknowledging the therapist’s life experience and resulting psychological makeup that analysts can be most effective in helping their patients. However, to date, few articles and fewer books have been entirely devoted to this topic. Clinical Implications of the Psychoanalyst’s Life Experience forges new ground in exploring these under-researched areas. It will be essential reading for practicing psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, those working in other mental health fields and graduate students alike.

Values at the End of Life

Values at the End of Life PDF Author: Roi Livne
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674545176
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 361

Get Book Here

Book Description
This insightful study examines the deeply personal and heart-wrenching tensions among financial considerations, emotional attachments, and moral arguments that motivate end-of-life decisions. America’s health care system was built on the principle that life should be prolonged whenever possible, regardless of the costs. This commitment has often meant that patients spend their last days suffering from heroic interventions that extend their life by only weeks or months. Increasingly, this approach to end-of-life care is coming under scrutiny, from a moral as well as a financial perspective. Sociologist Roi Livne documents the rise and effectiveness of hospice and palliative care, and growing acceptance of the idea that a life consumed by suffering may not be worth living. Values at the End of Life combines an in-depth historical analysis with an extensive study conducted in three hospitals, where Livne observed terminally ill patients, their families, and caregivers negotiating treatment. Livne describes the ambivalent, conflicted moments when people articulate and act on their moral intuitions about dying. Interviews with medical staff allowed him to isolate the strategies clinicians use to help families understand their options. As Livne discovered, clinicians are advancing the idea that invasive, expensive hospital procedures often compound a patient’s suffering. Affluent, educated families were more readily persuaded by this moral calculus than those of less means. Once defiant of death—or even in denial—many American families and professionals in the health care system are beginning to embrace the notion that less treatment in the end may be better treatment.

Treating Later-Life Depression

Treating Later-Life Depression PDF Author: Ann M. Steffen
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0190068396
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 383

Get Book Here

Book Description
Depression is a leading mental health concern in aging individuals. Written to be used in collaboration with a qualified mental health professional, Treating Later-Life Depression: Workbook is designed to address and alleviate depression and related concerns (chronic pain, sleep problems, anxiety, brain health, family caregiving and grief) in middle-aged and older adults. This practical Workbook, along with its companion Clinician Guide, reflects the latest scientific and clinical advances in cognitive-behavioral therapy for age-related problems, in individual, group, and telehealth formats. Along with learning how to re-engage in a meaningful daily life, individuals will build skills using personalized change strategies such as problem solving, relaxation training, self-compassion, reframing unhelpful thoughts and effective communication practices, among others. The Workbook closes with resources to support middle-aged and older adults' ongoing efforts at achieving and maintaining a greater sense of wellbeing.

Dying in America

Dying in America PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309303133
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 470

Get Book Here

Book Description
For patients and their loved ones, no care decisions are more profound than those made near the end of life. Unfortunately, the experience of dying in the United States is often characterized by fragmented care, inadequate treatment of distressing symptoms, frequent transitions among care settings, and enormous care responsibilities for families. According to this report, the current health care system of rendering more intensive services than are necessary and desired by patients, and the lack of coordination among programs increases risks to patients and creates avoidable burdens on them and their families. Dying in America is a study of the current state of health care for persons of all ages who are nearing the end of life. Death is not a strictly medical event. Ideally, health care for those nearing the end of life harmonizes with social, psychological, and spiritual support. All people with advanced illnesses who may be approaching the end of life are entitled to access to high-quality, compassionate, evidence-based care, consistent with their wishes. Dying in America evaluates strategies to integrate care into a person- and family-centered, team-based framework, and makes recommendations to create a system that coordinates care and supports and respects the choices of patients and their families. The findings and recommendations of this report will address the needs of patients and their families and assist policy makers, clinicians and their educational and credentialing bodies, leaders of health care delivery and financing organizations, researchers, public and private funders, religious and community leaders, advocates of better care, journalists, and the public to provide the best care possible for people nearing the end of life.

Finding Balance in a Medical Life

Finding Balance in a Medical Life PDF Author: Lee Lipsenthal
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780978532116
Category : Conduct of life
Languages : en
Pages : 208

Get Book Here

Book Description
The system of medicine, world-wide, is in a state of rapid change. This has left physicians in a state of anxiety, fatigue and even burnout. Finding Balance in a Medical Life is the culmination of the authors years of working with large physician groups, evaluating physician health research and delivering workshops to physicians and their families. It is intended to help physicians, healthcare professionals and their families to understand how they find themselves 'stuck' in their work lives and even in their personal relationships. It explores the ramifications of the physician personality structure and helps the reader to analyze their own personality. It clarifies the effect of medical training and practice on the physicians' health and relationships. It teaches the reader various tools and techniques to manage stress, enhance performance, and improve communication as well as how to plan their futures in by identifying their life purpose. About the Author Lee Lipsenthal, M.D., ABHM is a recognized leader, teacher and pioneer in the field of provider wellness. He is an internist by training and is internationally known for his research work with Dr. Dean Ornish, in preventive cardiology. He is also well known in the field of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Lipsenthal is a member of the American Medical Association Physician Well-being Planning Committee and has authored many professional and popular publications on healthcare provider wellness medicine. He is a frequently invited workshop presenter and speaker at healthcare conferences in the U.S. and world-wide. "Finding Balance in a Medical Life is an eloquent, potent way of enhancing awareness and promoting healing in ourselves, ourfamilies, and our patients. It is a call to action that may help you save a very important life. Yours." - Dean Ornish, M.D., Founder and President, Preventive Medicine Research Institute, Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco "Finding Balance in a Medical Life is distilled from the author's experience over many years of teaching physicians about managing stress, improving performance, and increasing connection with life s purpose. I know you will enjoy it and find it useful." - Andrew Weil, MD "Lee Lipsenthal brings tremendous insights into the stresses and strains of being a physician. Put down your medical journal and pick up this book; it may be the most important read of your life." - Steve McDermott, Chief Executive Officer, Hill Physicians Medical Group

Dying Well

Dying Well PDF Author: Ira Byock
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 110150028X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 321

Get Book Here

Book Description
From Ira Byock, prominent palliative care physician and expert in end of life decisions, a lesson in Dying Well. Nobody should have to die in pain. Nobody should have to die alone. This is Ira Byock's dream, and he is dedicating his life to making it come true. Dying Well brings us to the homes and bedsides of families with whom Dr. Byock has worked, telling stories of love and reconciliation in the face of tragedy, pain, medical drama, and conflict. Through the true stories of patients, he shows us that a lot of important emotional work can be accomplished in the final months, weeks, and even days of life. It is a companion for families, showing them how to deal with doctors, how to talk to loved ones—and how to make the end of life as meaningful and enriching as the beginning. Ira Byock is also the author of The Best Care Possible: A Physician's Quest to Transform Care Through the End of Life.

Approaching Death

Approaching Death PDF Author: Committee on Care at the End of Life
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309518253
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 457

Get Book Here

Book Description
When the end of life makes its inevitable appearance, people should be able to expect reliable, humane, and effective caregiving. Yet too many dying people suffer unnecessarily. While an "overtreated" dying is feared, untreated pain or emotional abandonment are equally frightening. Approaching Death reflects a wide-ranging effort to understand what we know about care at the end of life, what we have yet to learn, and what we know but do not adequately apply. It seeks to build understanding of what constitutes good care for the dying and offers recommendations to decisionmakers that address specific barriers to achieving good care. This volume offers a profile of when, where, and how Americans die. It examines the dimensions of caring at the end of life: Determining diagnosis and prognosis and communicating these to patient and family. Establishing clinical and personal goals. Matching physical, psychological, spiritual, and practical care strategies to the patient's values and circumstances. Approaching Death considers the dying experience in hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings and the role of interdisciplinary teams and managed care. It offers perspectives on quality measurement and improvement, the role of practice guidelines, cost concerns, and legal issues such as assisted suicide. The book proposes how health professionals can become better prepared to care well for those who are dying and to understand that these are not patients for whom "nothing can be done."

Design and Analysis of Quality of Life Studies in Clinical Trials

Design and Analysis of Quality of Life Studies in Clinical Trials PDF Author: Diane L. Fairclough
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9781584882633
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 332

Get Book Here

Book Description
More and more frequently, clinical trials include the evaluation of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), yet many investigators remain unaware of the unique measurement and analysis issues associated with the assessment of HRQoL. At the end of a study, clinicians and statisticians often face challenging and sometimes insurmountable analytic problems. Design and Analysis of Quality of Life Studies in Clinical Trials details these issues and presents a range of solutions. Written from the author's extensive experience in the field, it focuses on the very specific features of QoL data: its longitudinal nature, multidimensionality, and the problem of missing data. The author uses three real clinical trials throughout her discussions to illustrate practical implementation of the strategies and analytic methods presented. As Quality of Life becomes an increasingly important aspect of clinical trials, it becomes essential for clinicians, statisticians, and designers of these studies to understand and meet the challenges this kind of data present. In this book, SAS and S-PLUS programs, checklists, numerous figures, and a clear, concise presentation combine to provide readers with the tools and skills they need to successfully design, conduct, analyze, and report their own studies.