'Affordable' death in the United States: an action plan based on lessons learned from the Nursing Economic$ special...

An eight-point action plan is proposed for lowering costs associated with end-of-life health care in the United States, as well as improving the quality of life experienced by patients and their families. This action plan was derived from an analysis of the six articles presented in this special issue of Nursing Economic$. The two major features of this action plan are: (a) expansion of hospice and palliative care, as well as (b) increased use of advance directives. Additionally, as pre-conditions for the effective operation of this action plan, the political, cultural, and legislative contexts that merit attention are discussed. Finally, arguments as to the desirability, feasibility, and sustainability of this action plan are offered.