Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
04:36
Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum
Published on: August 5, 2020
Death, dying, and last wishes.
Catherine A Marco1, Raquel M Schears
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Acute Care Services, St Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, OH 43608-2691, USA. cmarco2@aol.com
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America
|September 20, 2006
Summary
Caring for dying patients presents challenges and rewards for emergency physicians. Understanding patient wishes through advance directives or communication is key to providing appropriate care and symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Palliative Care
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- End-of-life care presents unique challenges for emergency physicians.
- Effective patient care near death requires understanding patient wishes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complexities of end-of-life care in emergency medicine.
- To emphasize the importance of patient wishes and communication.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical considerations in end-of-life care.
- Discussion of advance directives and surrogate communication.
Main Results:
- Resuscitative efforts are not always appropriate and depend on patient wishes.
- Optimal medical care, symptom control, communication, empathy, and caring are crucial.
Conclusions:
- Providing care aligned with patient wishes near death can be rewarding for all involved.
- Emergency physicians play a vital role in facilitating dignified end-of-life care.
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