Jennifer S. Temel, MD of Mass General Hospital – Harvard Medical School discusses how prognosis, treatment goals and how end of life care should not be viewed as one time conversations. It is important to integrate these discussions throughout the course of the illness even if the person is still newly diagnosed. And, if a patient has an incurable disease, it is important to explain the nature of the disease and the treatment or the chemotherapy will not cure the disease. If the patients health status worsens, re-adjustment of the prognosis is very important. And, towards the end of life, its necessary to discuss with the patient their end of life care preferences.
Prognosis, Treatment Goals & End of Life Should Not Be Viewed as One Time Conversations
