The facts of end-of-life care

End-of-life decisions affect patients and their families at critical, inevitable points in the life continuum. State-of-the-art technology and pharmaceuticals make it possible to extend life and, in many cases, prolong the process of dying. Timely and compassionately provided information empowers patients and families to make informed end-of-life decisions and avoids painful, forced decisions during such critical times. Nurses can provide information that patients and families need and want. A need exists for more comprehensive training and development to enhance nurses' involvement and effectiveness with regard to educating patients and their families about end-of-life care options.