Building on individual, state, and federal initiatives for advance care planning, an integral component of palliative and end-of-life cancer care Journal Article


Authors: Epstein, A. S.; Volandes, A. E.; O'Reilly, E. M.
Article Title: Building on individual, state, and federal initiatives for advance care planning, an integral component of palliative and end-of-life cancer care
Abstract: Federal and state provisions for advance care planning-the process by which patients, families, and medical professionals plan for future and, in particular, end-of-life care-continue to receive attention. Such planning remains an integral component of palliative care, complementing the recognition and treatment of pain and other symptoms that patients with advanced malignancies and their families encounter. Historically, advance care planning interventions (particularly those involving advance directives) have been unable to consistently demonstrate positive outcomes for patients with life-threatening illnesses. However, more recent literature, including that on patients with cancer, illustrates that both patients and caregivers report improved quality of life and less distress after discussions with their health care teams about end-of-life care. Herein, we discuss recent federal and state public policy that focuses on advance care planning, suggesting the promise for care delivery improvements and the means by which existing barriers might be surmounted. These care delivery issues apply to several disease states but are particularly pertinent to the adult oncology setting. Copyright © 2011 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Journal Title: Journal of Oncology Practice
Volume: 7
Issue: 6
ISSN: 1554-7477
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology  
Date Published: 2011-11-01
Start Page: 355
End Page: 359
Language: English
DOI: 10.1200/jop.2011.000355
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC3219459
PUBMED: 22379415
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 1" - "Export Date: 1 May 2012" - "Source: Scopus"
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  1. Andrew Saul Epstein
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  2. Eileen O'Reilly
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