title: Improving care at the end of life.
abstract: Americans are more likely to die slowly of chronic disease than from a rapid, fatal illness or injury, but the healthcare delivery system rarely fully accommodates patients' needs at the end of life. Organizations working to change the way patients spend their final days are looking first at pain control, continuity of care, advance planning and ways to make the experience meaningful for both patients and family.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Hume
mesh_terms: D016223:Advance Directives; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000592:standards; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000592:standards; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D012944:Social Support; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States